October 22 | 5:30 p.m.

The United States is undoubtedly undergoing a period of reckoning over race, not only a reexamination of our historical past, but a present-day challenge to what many perceive as institutional racism, injustice in policing and judicial systems, inequality of opportunity based on race and ethnicity, and a lack of diversity in our public institutions which serves to perpetuate inequities and minimize the claims of those who feel underrepresented. On Thursday, October 22, host Joan Kjaer and guests held a robust discussion surrounding these topics.

Produced by International Programs, WorldCanvass brings scholars, community members, and experts from many fields together for engaging conversations around important issues of the day.  WorldCanvass is free and open to the public. This season, the programs will be held virtually and all who register online will receive a link that allows them to view the show through Zoom.

Participants in this discussion, which has been organized in partnership with the UI Arts Advancement Committee, are: David Ryfe, director and professor in the UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication; Liz Tovar, UI interim associate vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion; Denise Martinez, associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine; Damani Phillips, associate professor of jazz and African American studies in the UI School of Music; William Jones, director of orchestral studies and visiting emeritus professor in the UI School of Music; Mark Heidel, director of bands and professor in the UI School of Music; Loyce Arthur, associate professor in the UI Department of Theatre Arts; An Duplan, founder of the Center for Afrofuturist Studies; and Marcia Bollinger, neighborhood outreach coordinator for the City of Iowa City.

Program Details

Segment 1--Introspection and action

• David Ryfe—director and professor, UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication
• Liz Tovar—interim associate vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion, University of Iowa
• Denise Martinez—associate dean for diversity, equity,  and inclusion, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine

Segment 2-- Music from the margins 

• Damani Phillips—associate professor of jazz and African American studies, UI School of Music
• William Jones—director of orchestral studies and visiting emeritus professor, UI School of Music
• Mark Heidel—director of bands and professor, UI School of Music

Segment 3--Campus/community engagement on social justice and belonging 

• Loyce Arthur—associate professor, UI Department of Theatre Arts
• An Duplan—author, poet, founder of the Center for Afrofuturist Studies
• Marcia Bollinger--neighborhood outreach coordinator, City of Iowa City

This event is part of the series Art and the Pursuit of Justice. Find information on the full series here: https://events.uiowa.edu/37557  

WorldCanvass programs are recorded as audio podcasts and are available on iTunes, the Public Radio Exchange (PRX), and the WorldCanvass website. University of Iowa International Programs produces the series in partnership with MERGE, 136 South Dubuque Street.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Amy Green in advance at amy-green-1@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1433.