UNISON
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newsletter
Volume 12, Issue 2
Diversity committee for
communities of interest
WELCOME
Welcome to the Office for Diversity and
Inclusion’s (ODI) newsletter! This newsletter will
display UNC Pembroke’s work to build a stronger
sense of diversity around campus by fostering
a connection to the campus community and
supporting student success. This newsletter
will also exhibit how students of #BraveNation
engage and extend spirit around campus and the
community.
What is Diversity?
“Diversity is acknowledging the differences
between yourself and others. It’s an understanding
that cultures are beautiful conversation starters.
The shades of our skin aren’t barriers, but beautiful
birthmarks instead. Diversity is embracing our
neighbors despite our differences. Our world is a
Crayola box full of assorted colors.” -Quen White
Suicide Awareness
by Assata Perkins
Suicide amongst teens is increasing at
an alarming rate. The annual number of suicides
each year between the ages of 10-24 is around
4,600. This consists of 12 suicides a day which is
on average 575,000 suicide attempts per year.
A member of UNC Pembroke’s student body
decided to take matters into her own hands and
raise awareness. When asked why this matter was
important to her she had a story of her own to
share…
“My name is Assata Parkins on June, 7, 2016
my 18-year-old brother, Asante, committed suicide.
He was unable to speak up about his pain to
teachers, friends, or even family. On September 10
a candlelight vigil was held not only in his memory,
but to raise awareness. This event allowed all of
his friends who were unable to attend the funeral
to support him and our family. During this event
friends and family discussed their time with Asante
and how he was such an amazing person. But the
best part of the whole night is when our mother
talked. She not only talked about Asante, but
told people that their story isn’t over. She wanted
people to use Asante’s story to continue to live on
and realize that suicide is not the answer.”
Inspirational Quotes
“I can therefore I am.”
-Simone Weil
“Do what you can with whatever you have, where
you are.”
-Theodore Roosevelt
“Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of
standing still.”
-Chinese Proverb
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent
about things that matter.”
-MLK
IN THIS ISSUE
What is Diversity? | p. 1
Suicide Awareness | p. 1
Diversity within Fraternities | p. 2
“What Dark-skin People Never Tell You” | p. 2
Student Interview | p. 2
Diversity within the Workplace | p. 3-4
UNISON
Diversity within Fraternities
by David Hernandez
Diversity is defined as the state of having
different forms of race, religion, and class. Being a
part of an organization that is predominantly black,
of course I stand out. That doesn’t differentiate
how my brothers treat and act towards me. Being
with my brothers and organization I feel included
as well as unsegregated. Even though the
organization is predominantly African-American, I
am treated as brother in their eyes.
Through my experience, we share thoughts,
beliefs, and ideas with one another as well as
learn about other cultures. As a Hispanic male, I
didn’t really know much about African American
history. Being able to join this great fraternity has
really enlightened my knowledge for the African
American culture as well as having my brothers
learn a lot about my own.
Being a member of Kappa Alpha Psi has
impacted me positively in how I was able to get
to know my brothers for a lifetime as well as share
different visions. Just being a part of a brotherhood
that doesn’t see a difference in race, religion,
and class is what defines diversity to me and I am
privileged to be a part of something great for the
rest of my life.
What Dark-Skinned People Won’t Tell
You
“If we really care about unity we will focus
on the topics that divide us and yes, colorism
is one of them. If you ignore colorism you are a
colorist. If you say it doesn’t exist regardless of
the evidence, you are a colorist. If you support
people who promote colorism, you are a colorist.
If you see it happening and do nothing to stop it,
you are a colorist. If you are silent about it, you are
complicit and you are a colorist. There is no room
for negotiation or compromise. There is no middle
ground. This is a great evil that must end.” -Bougie
Black Girl
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Volume 12, Issue 2
Student Interview
with Nicklaus D. Courmon
What is diversity to you?
To me, diversity is the state of a number of different
cultures, races, ethnicities, and ideas.
How do you feel diversity or lack thereof has
affected the current media?
I feel the main lack of diversity in the media
comes from the fact that people of color are
rarely celebrated because we’re mostly seen and
portrayed as criminals.
What areas have you personally witnessed lack
of diversity?
At the moment I can’t recall where I’ve personally
witnessed a lack of diversity.
How can we as a people implement diversity in
everything we do?
I believe we can implement more diversity by
taking on more inclusive approaches when it comes
to our actions and language.
As a member of NAACP as well as 2016 NAACP
Mr. Black History, how do you feel your title
has/has not allowed you to embrace diversity in
all its entities?
Being crowned Mr. Black History 2016 by the
NAACP and going on to become the president
of the organization has allowed me to be more
receptive of other organizations, and expand my
network so I can continue to work on being a
catalyst for change and advocate for diversity.
Colorism exists beyond African-Americans.
Within the panel it was discussed that colorism
exists amongst all ethnic backgrounds. It is the
division amongst race by the shade of their skin.
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UNISON
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Volume 12, Issue 2
Diversity within THE WORKPLACE
by Sophia Kerby and Crosby Burns
Our nation and our workforce are both becoming more diverse. The share of people of color in the
United States is increasing. More women are entering the labor force. Homosexual and transgender individuals
are making vital contributions to our economy, while being increasingly open about who they are. Businesses
that embrace diversity have a more solid footing in the marketplace than others. A diverse workforce combines
workers from different backgrounds and experiences that together breed a more creative, innovative, and
productive workforce. And businesses have learned they can draw upon our nation’s diversity to strengthen
their bottom line. In this way, diversity is a key ingredient to growing a strong and inclusive economy that’s built
to last.
Let’s look at the top 10 economic benefits of workplace diversity:
1. A diverse workforce drives economic growth. Our nation’s human capital substantially grows as more
women, racial and ethnic minorities, and gay and transgender individuals enter the workforce. A McKinsey &
Company study, for example, found that the increase in women’s overall share of labor in the United States—
women went from holding 37 percent of all jobs to 47 percent over the past 40 years—has accounted for about
a quarter of current GDP.
2. A diverse workforce can capture a greater share of the consumer market. By bringing together
individuals from different backgrounds and experiences, businesses can more effectively market to consumers
from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, women, and consumers who are gay or transgender. It is no
surprise then, studies show diversifying the workplace helps businesses increase their market share.
3. Recruiting from a diverse pool of candidates means a more qualified workforce. When companies
recruit from a diverse set of potential employees, they are more likely to hire the best and the brightest in the
labor market. In an increasingly competitive economy where talent is crucial to improving the bottom line,
pooling from the largest and most diverse set of candidates is increasingly necessary to succeed in the market.
4. A diverse and inclusive workforce helps businesses avoid employee turnover costs. Businesses that
fail to foster inclusive workplaces see higher turnover rates than businesses that value a diverse workforce
because they foster a hostile work environment that forces employees to leave. The failure to retain qualified
employees results in avoidable turnover-related costs at the expense of a company’s profits. Having a diverse
and discrimination-free work environment helps businesses avoid these costs.
5. Diversity fosters a more creative and innovative workforce. Bringing together workers with different
qualifications, backgrounds, and experiences are all key to effective problem-solving on the job. Similarly,
diversity breeds creativity and innovation. Of 321 large global enterprises—companies with at least $500
million in annual revenue—surveyed in a Forbes study in 2011, 85 percent agreed or strongly agreed that
diversity is crucial to fostering innovation in the workplace.
6. Businesses need to adapt to our changing nation to be competitive in the economic market. Census
data tell us that by 2050 there will be no racial or ethnic majority in our country. Further, between 2000
and 2050 new immigrants and their children will account for 83 percent of the growth in the working-age
population. Our economy will grow and benefit from these changing demographics if businesses commit to
meeting the needs of diverse communities as workers and consumers.
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UNISON
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Volume 12, Issue 2
Diversity within THE WORKPLACE continued
7. Diversity is a key aspect of entrepreneurship. Our nation’s entrepreneurs are a diverse set of people
of color, women, gay, and transgender individuals. According to the Census Bureau, people of color own
22.1 percent of U.S. businesses. Moreover, women own 28.8 percent of U.S. businesses, and Latina-owned
businesses in particular are the fastest-growing segment of the women-owned business market. According to
the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, gay or transgender individuals own approximately 1.4
million (or approximately 5 percent) of U.S. businesses.
8. Diversity in business ownership, particularly among women of color, is key to moving our economy
forward. The diversity of our nation’s business owners helps boost employment and grow our economy. For
example, women of color own 1.9 million firms. These businesses generate $165 billion in revenue annually and
employ 1.2 million people. Latina-owned businesses in particular have total receipts of $55.7 billion since 2002.
9. Diversity in the workplace is necessary to create a competitive economy in a globalized world. As
communities continue to grow, it’s important to harness the talent of all Americans. Businesses should continue
to capitalize on the growth of women, people of color, and gay and transgender people in the labor force.
Our increasing diversity is a great opportunity for the United States to become more competitive in the global
economy by capitalizing on the unique talents and contributions that diverse communities bring to the table.
10. Diversity in the boardroom is needed to leverage a company’s full potential. By 2050 there will be no
racial or ethnic majority in the United States, and our nation’s boardrooms need to represent these changing
demographics. Currently people of color and women only represent about 14.5 percent and 18 percent,
respectively, of corporate boards among the senior management of Fortune 500 companies. Recruiting board
directors with a breadth of expertise and varied experiences will make companies more proficient.
JOIN US
How We Got Here: Songwriters on Social Justice
Friday, March 24
7:30 p.m.
GPAC
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UNISON
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newsletter
Volume 12, Issue 2
About The office of diversity and inclusion
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) serves as a vital resource that fosters and promotes student
success, by providing programs and services that support the university’s academic mission by preparing
socially- and culturally-aware students who will develop, disseminate, and implement originality, constructive
ideas, and insight to encourage community engagement for the future.
ODI works to consistently increase the professional standards, understanding, and appreciation for diversity
and culture through programs, services, initiatives, and collaborations. Overall, the office strives to advance
the university’s commitment to respecting, embracing, and valuing diversity by serving for students, staff,
and faculty on issues of justice and equity, through inclusion, education, outreach, advocacy, and being true
change agent leaders.
Leadership
Dr. Robert L. Canida, II
Director, Diversity and Inclusion
Director, Multicultural Center
Primary Web Information Coordinator (WIC)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 910.521.6508
Lisa Gonzalez Bullard
Administrative Associate
Secondary Web Information Coordinator (WIC)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 910.521.6508
Connect with ODI
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372-1510
Location: Old Main, Suite 124
Diversity Committee
Dr. Kevin Freeman
Dr. Sonali Jain
Dr. Michele Fazio
Dr. Nicolette Campos
Dr. Shilpa Regan
Mr. Virgil Oxendine
Dr. Robert L. Canida, II
Ms. Brittany Sandefur
Mr. Jose McKinney
Dr. Rebekah Hazlett
Phone: 910.521.6508
Fax: 910.521.6742
Relay: 910.521.6508
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: /UNCP Diversity and Inclusion
Instagram: @odi_uncp
Twitter: @uncpodi
Website: uncp.edu/odi
Newsletter Staff
Jo’Aquen White, writer
This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact the Accessibility Resource Center, D.F. Lowry Building, 910.521.6695
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