HSCommunity: Share Your Light
HSCommunity is a newsletter from the Health Sciences Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Subcommittee on Communications.
February 2023: Share Your Light
/ Court Side
February is one of my favorite months because it brings so many important moments that I would like to recognize.
This month marks the celebration of Black History Month. As I move into this time, I think of the Black excellence that has helped get us here, as well as those who make an impact every day. I want to take a moment to thank you for your contributions and know you will continue to do amazing things! Take a look at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture website to learn from Black pioneers' trailblazing contributions and draw inspiration and guidance from the past.
In addition to celebrating such a rich history, February is known for sharing love. Whether you do it through gifting cards and treats to friends, taking a significant other to a romantic dinner, or (my favorite) treating yourself to an evening of self-care, expressing love to ourselves and those close to us takes priority this time of year. When you think about love, it truly is powerful. Think about those you love and who love you. Who are they – parents, partners, siblings, best friends, pets? It can be easy to love those we know and who love us. Have you ever thought about the power of loving someone who maybe you do not know or even disagree with? I know it sounds wild, but those who do not understand you need your love the most. They need to see the light that you radiate from within.
Today, express your love to everyone you naturally would, and challenge yourself to share that love a little more.
Photo: Earlier this month I had the chance to celebrate the traditional Chinese Spring Festival during a special event featuring singing, dancing and traditional costume. The celebration was hosted by the West Virginia Chinese Association, which is led by School of Medicine Associate Professor Jianhai Du, and the WVU Chinese Student & Scholar Association.
/ Courtney Lanham, MSW
They/Them
Director of Diversity, WVU Health Sciences
Chancellor and Executive Dean’s Office
/ Share Your Thoughts
All students, faculty and staff are invited to share their opinions and suggestions for diversity, equity and inclusion at WVU Health Sciences. Your participation will help develop strategic initiatives and plan future efforts.
/ Upcoming Events
Support Groups
Every semester the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services offers a variety of groups, including TRANScend, Qmmunity and ADHD Support Group. Groups give you contact with peers as well as a therapist in a safe and confidential environment. The groups meet one time a week and vary in time. Learn more.
Queer Book Club
Join the LGBTQ+ Center Queer Book Club at Maple House every third Tuesday of the month to discuss this semester’s pick, “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo. Register in advance.
ACE/Aromantic Social
The LGBTQ+ Center ACE/Aromantic Social is a space where folks who identify as asexual or aromantic can meet, engage and celebrate community. Celebrate yourself along with your LGBTQ+ community and friends on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Maple House. Register online.
Honoring Diversity Series – Assistive Technology Helping People Overcome Barriers
Doug Cumpston, program manager for the West Virginia Assistive Technology System in the Center for Excellence in Disabilities, will present “Assistive Technology: Helping People Overcome Barriers” from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, on Zoom. Learn more.
Student National Medical Association Black History Month Lecture Series
Join Olihe Okoro, associate professor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, for a presentation titled “Increasing Diversity in the Healthcare Workforce” on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 12 noon via Zoom. Register online.
Self-Care 101
Join the Office of Equity Assurance for an evening of self-care in the Mountainlair on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 5-7 p.m. while decorating tote bags and eating Dunkin Donuts. We will discuss various mindfulness techniques, meditation practices and ways we can incorporate self-care into our everyday routines. Register online.
Black Activism in Health and Social Services
Co-sponsored by the WVU School of Social Work, the virtual “Black Activism in Health and Social Services” presentation on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. will include a discussion with panelists from across the U.S. Register online.
Black History Month Trivia Night
Join Collegiate Recovery at Serenity Place and test your knowledge of Black History for a night of games, food and learning on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 5-7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Learn more.
Deem Distinguished Lecture: Marie Cochran
Join Deem Distinguished Visiting Artist Marie T. Cochran, founding curator of the Affrilachian Artist Project, for a public lecture on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 5 p.m. in the Bloch Learning and Performance Hall at Canady Creative Arts Center. Learn more.
QTBIPOC Soul Food Potluck Dinner
The LGBTQ+ Center and campus partners invite QTBIPOC students, faculty and staff to a Soul Food Potluck Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 5-7 p.m. at Maple House.
German Stammtisch
The German Stammtisch event on Feb. 16 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Morgantown Brewing Company is open to members of the WVU and Morgantown communities interested in learning about German culture, conversing in German or meeting other people who have a similar interest. Learn more.
Cultural Conversation 2
Cultural Conversations will be held Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. in the Mountainlair Rhododendron Room. This is a peer-led group discussion about issues affecting intercultural groups.
Trans in Trumpland Movie Night Series
Organized in collaboration with the Honors College LGBTQ+ & Allies Affinity Group and the WVU LGBTQ+ Center to explore the topic of transgender people's experiences from a personal profile perspective. Events will take place Feb. 16, March 9 and March 30 from 7-9 p.m. in the Honors College Media Room (room 102). Learn more.
Veterans of WVU Club
The monthly Veterans of WVU student organization meeting will take place Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Mountainlair room 214.
Title IX Training: Brown Bag Lunch
This training provides a basic overview of Title IX policy and the protections against discrimination offered by BOG 1.6. Employee training will be held Friday, Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Student training will be held Monday, Feb. 20, at noon.
Japanese Flower Arrangement Workshop
A Grand Master of the Keika Kazan school of Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) will teach you this beautiful Japanese art on Friday, Feb. 17 at 4:30 p.m. Register in advance.
Shabbat Dinner
Chabad at WVU welcomes all Jewish Mountaineers for Shabbat dinner every Friday at 7:15 p.m. The intimate and elegant setting allows students to meet new friends from every niche of the WVU Jewish community while feasting on a gourmet home cooked meal.
The Black Experience – Black Male Student Initiative
Events on Feb. 18, 19 and 26 at the Center for Black Culture and Research. Learn more.
Trivia Kiosk
Test your Black History Month knowledge for a prize. Located in the Mountainlair lobby on Monday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Tunnel of Awareness
The Tunnel of Awareness is an interactive social justice experience showcasing exhibits that increase awareness of topics that impact our communities, our country and our world. This event will be held Monday, Feb. 20, and Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Mountainlair Ballrooms.
The Black Radical Tradition in Education
Join the Africana Studies Program for “Malcolm X: The Man vs The Myths” on Monday, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Mountainlair Greenbriar Room. Learn more.
Yappy Hour
Visit with Hearts of Gold service dogs on Tuesday, Feb. 21, to destress during Yappy Hour from 1-3 p.m. in Pylons Commons.
Honoring Diversity Series – Challenging Anti-Asian Racism in White Normative Spaces
Matthew Shin, a doctoral candidate in communication studies, will present “Challenging Anti-Asian Racism in White Normative Spaces” on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Shin will discuss the history of racial classification, provide historical context of Asian discrimination and suggest strategies to move forward.
Title IX: The Next 50 Years Panel Discussion
The College of Applied Human Sciences is hosting a panel discussion that includes Nikki Izzo-Brown, Meg Bulger, Natasha Oakes, Meshea Poore and Dana Voelker on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 6 pm. at Kegler's Bar and Grille. Learn more.
Empower Women at Work Webinar and Potluck Lunch
The WVU Health Sciences Blue Sky program and Office of Research and Graduate Education is hosting a viewing party for the Empower Women at Work webinar along with a potluck lunch on Wednesday, Feb. 22, in Erma Byrd room G01. Guests are asked to arrive with their dishes at 12:45 p.m. to set up, the webinar will begin at 1 p.m.
QTBIPOC Community Night
Join us on Friday, Feb. 24, from 6-8 p.m. for a QTBIPOC resource sharing chat for inspiration and reflection, plus enjoy a screening of the short film Happy Birthday, Marsha! (2018) with movie night snacks. This event is open to current WVU undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff. Registration is preferred.
Indigenous Appalachia Exhibit
Through visuals and educational content, the Indigenous Appalachia exhibit will explore themes of people, lands and waters, and will provide significant opportunity for campus and community involvement, and encourage informed, enhanced perspectives. On display in the WVU Downtown Library through the Spring 2023 semester.
Silent Witness Exhibit
The WVU Women’s Resource Center Silent Witness exhibit honors West Virginians killed in acts of domestic violence. The collection of life-sized silhouettes is on display at the WVU Downtown Library through the Spring 2023 semester.
/ News
Research participants needed for inclusive classroom study
This 15-minute survey and/or a 60-minute virtual interview with the researcher will assess underrepresented minority students' academic self-efficacy.
University of Virginia Diversifying Scholarship Research Conference
The University of Virginia's 6th Annual Diversifying Scholarship Research Conference is now accepting abstracts through March 3.
WVU study looks at full practice authority
Allowing nurse practitioners to provide a broader range of care can improve health outcomes in underserved rural and minority communities according to a new WVU study.
Nurse Practitioner FPA reduces health disparities in underserved communities, study finds
A ground-breaking study from West Virginia University has revealed the secret to reducing health disparities in underserved and minority communities: full practice authority for nurse practitioners.
Three-time WVU School of Nursing graduate elected to serve as WVNA president in 2024
Donte Newsom, a three-time West Virginia University School of Nursing graduate, has been elected to serve as the 2024 president of the West Virginia Nurses Association.