Your Unapologetic Self: Navigating Race, Gender and Sexuality in Crisis and Change (FTW)
Tuesday | 5:30 p.m.
This colloquium explores cultural and societal norms, stereotypes and perceptions that affect the ability of Black women with diverse identities to develop a healthy sense of self and successfully move through critical life experiences during crisis and change. The course uses the construct, “Unapologetic Self” to examine what this means for Black women with diverse identities who are constantly challenged by systemic racism, gender construction and perceptions of sexual identity development. Intellectual discourse and inquiry include a synthesis of interdisciplinary theories, constructs and perspectives to gain a better understanding of Black women’s self-identity, free self-expression, acceptance, and feelings of empowerment.
Specific discussions focus on the history of systemic racism, the social construction of gender, sexual identity formation, the impact of social media and other digital platforms, social and sexual relationships, violence against Black women, colorism vs classicism, racial disparities (mental, public health, economic and wealth), faith community perspectives, and educational, career and personal/family life choices. A major question for students is, “What happens to Black women’s “self-identity” and the “Unapologetic Self” when these various life experiences are confronted with crisis and change in society?