Diversity Conference

In her keynote address at the 10th Annual Diversity Conference, novelist, activist, and commentator Samina Ali described the fear she faced when the birth of her son left her with brain damage. “I was scared, and I was completely alone,” says Ali. “Courage is like any other physical function in your body ... each time we exercise our brave heart we are reinforcing our neural pathways for courage.” (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)

Novelist, activist, and cultural commentator Samina Ali will be the keynote speaker for the University’s 2019 Diversity Conference.

The University's annual Diversity Conference kicks off a day of discussion with a keynote address from CNN political analyst Ana Navarro.

"When was the first time in your life that you were aware of, or noticed, race?" Keynote speaker Shakti Butler posed this query at this year's Diversity Conference on March 31. During her speech, “Irresistible Justice: Cultivating Joy as a Pathway to Equity," Butler asked about the role of racism or inequality in the lives of the audience and allowed time for discussion and reflection.

The filmmaker and educator looks forward to a day when she can avoid thinking about race. “A look, a comment. You don’t know what someone means, and racial anxiety sets in. Every day, I think about race.”

In his acceptance speech while receiving the University's Frederick Douglass Medal at the annual Diversity Conference, professor emeritus Frederick Jefferson admitted that he was unsure whether he had done enough to deserve such an honor. "I realized that the significance of this event was not the recognition of what I had done, but it was more about the thousands of respectful, caring, and hopeful human touchpoints with hundreds of people that have imbued me with the wisdom and grace to contribute to the common good of our society." (University photo / J. Adam Fenster)

Columbia University president Lee C. Bollinger delivers the keynote address at the 5th Annual Diversity Conference in the Interfaith Chapel. ollinger is a prominent advocate of affirmative action who played a leading role in the twin Supreme Court cases—Grutter v Bollinger and Gratz v Bollinger—that upheld and clarified the importance of diversity as a compelling justification for affirmative action in higher education.

The keynote address will be given by Lee Bollinger, president of Columbia University. Following the address, 18 workshops will focus on race in our community, power and empowerment, and redefining diversity.

This year's conference Crossroads: An Opportunity for Progress will explore race, power, and definitions of diversity in the University community.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, an award-winning actress, activist, and author, will deliver a keynote address during An Evening of Diversity & Empowerment March 28.