The RJTF has been actively engaging in conversations and planning to achieve our goal of identifying and recommending changes to reduce the impact of systemic racism in our community.  In this first stage of our work we have been exploring foundational concepts like equity and antiracism as a group, gathering data, and developing resources. The Task Force is, however, only one mechanism for creating meaningful change on our campus. While more than one hundred members of the community are involved in this effort everyone can and should contribute to our efforts to reduce the impact of systemic racism by considering what they can do in their area of influence to create change.

Announcing the Racial Healing Practice Challenge

We are excited to announce the Racial Healing Practice Challenge. The first phase of the task force’s work is focused on Restoration and Education. We recognize how important it is to acknowledge the emotional impact of the times we are living in and to provide opportunities to reflect and build capacity.

This eight-week challenge provides opportunities for small groups to engage in reflection, discussion, and skill building focused on racial identity development, race consciousness and collective racial healing. We invite all members of the community to form a group to participate in this collective discovery and restoration series which starts on September 14. To learn more about this challenge and register your group visit our website Bentley.edu/racialjustice/healingchallenge.

*While developed with small group interaction in mind, individuals are also welcome to register for this challenge.

Beyond the Task Force

Several members of the Bentley community have initiated their own efforts across campus to combat issues of systemic racism. We are proud to see this activity and will continue to highlight their work on our website.

This week, we’ve highlighted examples from the Student Honors Council and the Cabinet.

Core Team Member Profile

With each update we will showcase an individual volunteering to serve on the RJTF Core Team. This week, meet Matt Banks:

Matt Banks is the Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion. They joined the Task Force because they have always strived to center the experiences of BIPOC individuals in their work. This Task Force affords them the opportunity to contribute meaningfully towards ensuring Bentley is the equitable and just place it can be.

In their spare time, they enjoy going to the movies and spending time with their dog.