Cleveland State University is proud to host “Courageous Conversations,” a virtual series designed to tackle topics on inclusiveness and diversity through honest discussions in a safe space.
We bring together leaders from CSU and various public and nonprofit agencies throughout Northeast Ohio for interactive conversations to share knowledge and brainstorm best practices to help create lasting change in the community, identify solutions to address systemic racial and gender injustice, and foster more inclusive, diverse environments guided by shared wisdom and empowerment.
We invite all students, faculty, staff and community members to join us for these courageous conversations. Registration links will be provided for each event.
Event Information
the cookout
This in-person panel discussion will engage Cleveland State University partners and community members in a dialogue focusing on topics such as financial literacy, art, music and health within the African American community. Following the panel discussion will be a family-style cookout with food, games and a DJ!
Register here for this in-person event | Friday, June 16 | 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
panelists |
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John Parker Principal Consultant for SHOCC, Ltd |
Laquania S. Graham Education and Outreach Administrator, City of Cleveland |
Kiesha Wilson MultiSite Branch Manager, CItizens Bank |
Mary Louise Tatum,MPH, MSN, PMHNP-BC Global Health Specialist |
moderator |
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Jarrett Pratt Director of Student Success at The Pratt Center at CSU |
Something to Talk About: How to 'Normalize' the Conversation Around Substance Use and Mental Health
View the recorded conversation here
The MetroHealth Office of Opioid Safety in partnership with CSU's Wellness and Prevention Program will address factors that influence substance use decisions, debunk myths around substance use and mental health, and discuss evidence-based, practical strategies that encourage productive discussions around alcohol and substance use including the intersection with mental health self-care.
panelists |
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Denise Keary Wellness and Prevention Program Coordinator, CSU |
Natalie Copeland-Traster Educator in the Office of Opioid Safety, MetroHealth |
Libbey Pelaia Educator in the Office of Opioid Safety, MetroHealth |
moderator |
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Ali Martin Scoufield Assistant Vice President of Campus Engagement and Dean of Students, CSU |
Free Speech…What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
Virtual Event Register Here | Thursday, May 4 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This conversation will focus on defining free speech and hate speech and learning what type of free speech is protected by the law. There will also be time to ask questions to our panel of CSU professionals.
panelists |
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Anup Kumar Professor of Communication and President of the CSU Faculty Senate |
Reginald Oh Professor of Law at CSU |
moderator |
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Sonali Wilson Vice President of Legal Affairs and Compliance, General Counsel and Board Secretary at CSU |
Moving Toward a Healthier Us
View the recorded conversation here.
This conversation will focus on how relationship development and significant influences impact sexual and intimate partner violence and effective interventions that can move us forward.
panelists |
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Liz Goncy, Ph.D. Associate professor, Department of Psychology at CSU |
Danielle Sabo, Ph.D. Criminology Research Associate at CSU |
Arnetta Matthews Director of Education and Outreach, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center |
moderator |
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Denise Keary Wellness and Prevention Program Coordinator at CSU |
the state of the black male... where do we go from here?
This conversation will engage Cleveland State University partners and community members in a dialogue focusing on ways to strengthen, heal and unite the African American community following the tragic death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, TN.
Thursday, March 2, 2023
PANELISTS |
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Crystal Bryant Former Executive Director, NAACP Cleveland Branch |
Eric King President and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Mental and Emotional Wellness Center of Ohio |
Dr. Ronnie Dunn Inaugural Executive Director, The Diversity Institute at CSU |
Ericka Payne Detective, Bedford Heights Police Department |
MODERATOR |
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Dr. Phillip 'Flapp' Cockrell |
Community supporters |
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100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. |
NAACP Greater Cleveland Branch |
The Cleveland Cavaliers |
The Real Black Friday |
CODE M Magazine |
Black Faculty and Staff Organization at CSU |
The Urban League of Greater Cleveland |
Cuyahoga Community College |
Cleveland State University National Pan-Hellenic Council |
Sigma Pi Phi, Cleveland Chapter, Tau Boule |
MetroHealth Health Medical Center |
BRIDGING COMMUNITIES WITH BLACK CULTURE
This conversation will highlight the impact cultural programming visual and performing arts has in recruiting, retaining and uniting CSU students from all cultural backgrounds.
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
PANELISTS |
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Prester Pickett Coordinator of the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center at CSU |
DeAndra Stone Interim Director of Dance/Visiting College Lecturer at CSU |
Eric Siler Director of Programming for the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, Moderator and Study Guide Writer for the Cleveland International Film Festival FilmSlam Streams |
MODERATOR |
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Dr. Linwood Whitten |
serving our veterans by serving their families
Monday, November 7, 2022
View the recorded conversation here
This conversation will focus on the importance of serving military families. We can take care of our veterans by supporting the educational success and needs of their spouses, children, and dependents.
PANELISTS |
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Donna Davisson Associate Lecturer at CSU |
Ben Baran Associate Professor at CSU |
Michael Forrest Director, Veterans Transitions and Services |
MODERATOR |
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Brandon Thompson |
College Students Have a Voice, too! It's Time We Use It!
Thursday, October 6, 2022
View recorded conversation here
Enter the passcode H2+Ab=O8 after registration
Oftentimes, students have questions regarding voting, but are simply too afraid to ask, or they do not know who to ask. This conversation will bring resources to students and provide them with support.
PANELISTS |
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Alexis Crosby Ohio State Coordinator at Campus Vote Project (CVP) |
José-Arnulfo Cabrera Co-Executive Director of Policies and Programs at The Young Latino Network (YLN) |
Erika Anthony Executive Director at Cleveland VOTES |
MODERATOR |
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Sebastian Canales (He/They) |
Previous Events
Exploring the Impact of Roe V. Wade
Friday, September 16, 2022
View the recorded conversation here
Enter the passcode K9dK%iE* after registration
The purpose of this topic is to highlight the history of Roe v. Wade, the legal and constitutional process of Roe V. Wade, advocacy, medical impact, and legislative effect.
PANELISTS |
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Nickie Antonio, B.S., M.PA. |
April L. Cherry, B.A., J.D. Professor of Law at CSU |
Jocelyn Rosnick, B.A., J.D. |
Dr. Vada Mack, DNP, EMBA, RN-BC |
MODERATORS |
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Evie M. DuVernay |
juneteenth conversation - Quiet As It's Kept: Discussing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Black Community
Panelists | ||
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Allen Boseman, Esq. |
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Tajuana Hunnicutt |
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Percival I. Kane, Jr., M.H.A. |
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Sheila M. Wright |
Moderator |
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Jarrett Pratt, M.Ed. |
HOPE THROUGH ACTION: POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS FOR OHIO'S FOSTER YOUTH
Panelists | ||
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Autumn Blatt |
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Antoinette McSears-Parker |
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Betsie Norris |
Moderator |
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Jarrett Pratt, M.Ed. |
WHAT CANNOT BE SEEN: NAVIGATING AN INVISIBLE DISABILITY
Panelists | ||
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Sydney A Bauer (OTR/L) |
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Amy Bitebet Washington |
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Benjamin Zimmer |
Moderator |
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Luis Gomez |
COMING OUT AGAIN: THE EVERYDAY IMPACT OF CISHETERONORMATIVITY
Panelists | ||
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Nolan Andersky |
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Sam Miller |
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Gio Santiago |
Moderator |
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Kara Tellaisha |
The Untold Stories of Women in LeadHERship
PANELISTS | ||
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Laura Bloomberg, Ph.D. |
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Jeanell N. Hughes, M.P.A. |
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Julie Rehm, Ph.D. Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the CSU Foundation, Cleveland State University |
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Sonali B. Wilson, J.D. General Counsel, Cleveland State University |
Moderator |
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Tachelle Banks, Ph.D. |
Why Are Most Chief Diversity Officers Black/Brown Folks?
PANELISTS | ||
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Michael Dixon |
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Leon A. Harris III, Ph.D. |
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Jennifer McCary Chief Diversity and Belonging Officer, Bowling Green State University |
Moderator |
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Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, Ph.D. |
The State of Black Health and Well-being in America
Panelists | ||
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Katherine Myles, R.N., M.S.N. |
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John E. Queener, Ph.D. |
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Sherdene Simpson, Ph.D. |
Moderator |
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Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, Ph.D. |