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
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
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
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
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
Anup Kumar Professor of Communication and President of the CSU Faculty Senate
Reginald Oh Professor of Law at CSU

moderator
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
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
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
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
Dr. Phillip 'Flapp' Cockrell Vice President, Campus Engagement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at CSU

Community supporters
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
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
Dr. Linwood Whitten Inaugural Assistant Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 

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
Donna Davisson Associate Lecturer at CSU
Ben Baran Associate Professor at CSU
Michael Forrest Director, Veterans Transitions and Services

MODERATOR
Brandon Thompson Director, Veterans Student Success Program

 

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
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
Sebastian Canales (He/They) Student Advisory Board Member, Campus Vote Project

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
Nickie Antonio, B.S., M.PA. State Senator (D-Lakewood)
April L. Cherry, B.A., J.D. Professor of Law at CSU
Jocelyn Rosnick, B.A., J.D. Policy Director for the ACLU of Ohio
Dr. Vada Mack, DNP, EMBA, RN-BC Experienced Director of Nursing

MODERATORS
Evie M. DuVernay Assistant Director, The Women's Center

 

juneteenth conversation - Quiet As It's Kept: Discussing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Black Community

 

HOPE THROUGH ACTION: POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS FOR OHIO'S FOSTER YOUTH

 

WHAT CANNOT BE SEEN: NAVIGATING AN INVISIBLE DISABILITY

 

COMING OUT AGAIN: THE EVERYDAY IMPACT OF CISHETERONORMATIVITY

 

The Untold Stories of Women in LeadHERship

 

Why Are Most Chief Diversity Officers Black/Brown Folks?

PANELISTS
Michael Dixon Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, Susquehanna University
Leon A. Harris III, Ph.D. Assistant Director of Health and Human Services, Cuyahoga County
Jennifer McCary Chief Diversity and Belonging Officer, Bowling Green State University

 

Moderator
Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, Ph.D. Vice President for Campus Engagement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Cleveland State University

 

The State of Black Health and Well-being in America