Celebrate Ally Week with Sudent Life!

October 12, 2020 / Events

An ally is a person of a social identity group who stands up in support of members of another group; typically a member of a dominant group standing beside member(s) of a group being discriminated against or treated unjustly regardless of identity. We all benefit from our collective efforts to create a better educated and more understanding world that treats each of us with dignity, respect, and equity. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Join Student Life as we celebrate Ally Week. Below are ways to get involved and show up as an ally for the NOVA community!

Monday, Oct. 12

  • Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Youth in Action: Conversations about Our Future–Mascots, Monuments and Memorialization. 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. In honor of Indigenous People’s Day, the Smithsonian is hosting a free online event as part one of the Youth in Action Series. Details: How do our memories of the past inform and influence the current racial and social landscape? As part of the museum’s online series Youth in Action: Conversations about Our Future, hear from young Native activists who are propelling this conversation forward and addressing the tension between history, memory and the current movements happening across America. Join in Here. 

Tuesday, Oct. 13

  • FREE Virtual Comedy Show featuring Melissa McGillicuddy! 7 p.m. Melissa McGillicuddy is a stand-up comedian based in Sacramento, California. As a newcomer to the scene in 2015, she won the Wildcard Competition at the Sacramento Comedy Festival. Being an only (and super gay) child raised by a single mom in a conservative town, Melissa found she didn’t always fit in, so she used humor as a way to try to connect with people. Her dry wit and unique perspective on life make her a hit with audiences everywhere. Melissa also co-produces the Moving Van Show, a pop-up comedy show that was awarded “Best DIY comedy on the go,” by the Sacramento News & Review. Most recently, she co-produced Sacramento FemmeFest, the city’s first all-female comedy festival. Click here to Register.

Wednesday, Oct. 14

  • Black Chats. Join in the ongoing conversations about the Black experience. 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Each week, there will be a safe space for brave dialogue around issues and experiences impacting the Black community. The atmosphere is welcoming to all who would like to attend and the goal is to be honest, supportive and progressive. Black Chats Zoom Link.
  • Safe Zone Training. 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Safe Zone Training is an opportunity to learn about LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexuality and examine prejudice, assumptions and privilege. Safe Zone will be facilitated by Corrine House, community outreach coordinator for NOVA’s Medical Education Campus, and Safe Zone trainer of over ten years. Join Zoom Meeting; Meeting ID: 829 5016 6663; Passcode: 016819.
  • “The Impact of Unconscious Bias” with Dean Beatrice McKeithen. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Join the MEC dean of students to discuss community standards and their commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Join the Zoom Meeting; Meeting ID: 956 3199 7400; Passcode: Learning.

Thursday, Oct. 15

  • NOVA Pride Social Hour. 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. NOVA’s Pride Social Hour is a safe meeting space for any of our NOVA LGBTQ+, allies and student supporters. If you are looking for a welcoming, friendly and fun community to hang out with while you are stuck at home, we are here for you! Come by and say Hi, introduce yourself and make some great new friends! Zoom Link; Password: novapride
  • Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder will speak about Race in America. 1:30 p.m. Please join us for a special conversation about race in America with the honorable Eric Holder, the 82nd Attorney General of the United States of America. The event is part of the annual Dr. Windham Series on Race Relations. This program is a unique opportunity to learn about the history and current climate of race in America from Holder, the first African American U.S. Attorney General and an eminent leader who was nominated for judicial appointments by U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Ronald Reagan. To join this FREE program, please register (required) Here. Contact: Mohamed Ali at mmali@nvcc.edu with questions.

Friday, Oct. 16

  • Poetry Slam for Social Justice! 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Enjoy original poetry and spoken word about social justice issues that the NOVA student body is passionate about. The event includes a live performance by renowned Poet Gabriela Garcia Medina and a judged student competition. Register Here. Email Charlotte at clombardo@nvcc.edu with questions.