Black History Month BeTheChange Initiative

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Black History Month

BeTheChange Initiative

February 6–March 3, 2023

Open to everyone!

to the Barney Ford Fellowship Fund.

The University of Colorado Leeds MBA Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee invites you to participate in a racial equity habit-building initiative to celebrate Black History Month. With the support of the Center for Inclusion and Social Change, the BeTheChange Initiative includes continuous engagement with music, articles, podcasts and films to learn about current and historical issues of racial inequity and ways to support, educate and uplift our communities. This event also supports the Barney Ford Diversity Scholarship Fundraiser, a scholarship promoting diversity at Leeds School of Business. See all activities and events below.

Â鶹ӰԺ the Initiative

During the four week long BeTheChange Initiative, we will explore and discuss articles, podcasts, music and movies on topics including black history, culture, people and how to be an ally.Ìý We will have a guest speaker on Friday, Feb. 24, who is not only the initial creator of this BeTheChange initiative, she is also a Leeds graduate and business leader. Additionally, we will host an arts and crafts day where we will offer the opportunity to create something powerful and meaningful that will be displayed at the Barney Ford Diversity Fundraiser on Friday March 10.

How the Initiative Works

  • Participate for as many days as you can. We challenge you to be part of as much as you can.
  • Participate individually or in-person and get your friends, peers and colleagues involved too.
  • Consider supporting local Black-owned businesses.
  • Consider sponsoring or donating to Barney Ford Fund for Diversity.

Support the Barney Ford Diversity Scholarship

Please support promoting diversity within the MBA programs at the Leeds School of Business through the Barney Ford Diversity Scholarship Fundraiser. The Barney Ford Diversity Scholarship Fundraiser and annual gala funds a scholarship for diverse Leeds MBA students. Barney L. Ford (1822-1902) was a former slave who became a leading Denver businessman. The Annual Barney Ford Fundraiser is one of the ways Leeds MBAs collectively maintain a tradition that serves to carry on his legacy.

Â鶹ӰԺ the Organizers

The University of Colorado Leeds MBA Justice, Equity, Diversity (J.E.D.I.) and Inclusion Committee is a student team of first year and second year MBA students that promotes inclusive excellence in the Leeds School of Business MBA Program. The committee members include Sophie Ruppert (VP), Sakib Hossain, Mary Boling and Emma Ritson.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to the MBAA VP of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Sophie Ruppert, via email: Sophie.Ruppert@colorado.edu.

Calendar

DAYACTIVITYSELECTIONDESCRIPTIONLENGTHTOPIC
Monday, Feb. 6Music MondayListen and read about the societal change they evoked.1hrHistory
Wednesday, Feb. 8

Poems, Articles and Podcasts

Ìý

A collection of content that explores African American history and culture.1hr+History
Friday, Feb. 10Reflection

Room: KOBL 233 or on

Time: 12:45-1:45 p.m. (MT)

No RSVP needed

Ìý

Let’s reflect: What have we learned this week? What stood out to us?

Snacks provided at in-person event.

Ìý

1hrHistory
Extras

Videos and Documentaries

PBS informational programs celebrating Black excellence.1hr+History

DAYACTIVITYSELECTIONDESCRIPTIONLENGTHTOPIC
Monday, Feb. 13Music MondayListen and learn about songs that capture Black history.1hrCulture
Wednesday, Feb. 15MovieWatch and learn about a movie that celebrates Black History Month.2hrCulture
Friday, Feb. 17Reflection

Room: KOBL 233 or on

Time: 12:45-1:45 p.m. (MT)

No RSVP needed

Ìý

Join us to reflect on these .

What stood out to you? What did you learn? Why do you think the poet wrote this poem? What were they trying to convey?Ìý

Snacks provided at in-person event.

Ìý

1hrCulture
ExtrasEventsEvents hosted in partnership with the Executive Committee for African American Cultural Events until March 4.Event DependentCulture

DAYACTIVITYSELECTIONDESCRIPTIONLENGTHTOPIC
Monday, Feb. 20Music MondayListen to music of local Denver artists.30minPeople
Wednesday, Feb. 22ArticleRead about people who went against the norm and the impact they had.45minPeople
Friday, Feb. 24Guest Speaker

Room: KOBL 320 and on

Time: 1-2 p.m. (MT)Ìý

Ìý

Lunch and learn with .

Lunch provided at in-person event.

Ìý

1hrPeople
ExtrasVideosWatch TED talks that share insights and reflections about Black identity.1hr+People

DAYACTIVITYSELECTIONDESCRIPTIONLENGTHTOPIC
Monday, Feb. 27Music Monday

Spotify has put together playlists of Black love and pride.

1hr

Be an ally
Wednesday, March 1PodcastListen to an episode of this podcast to learn more about how race affects every part of our society.30minBe an ally
Friday, March 3Arts and Crafts

Room: KOBL 235

Time: 12:30 p.m. (MT) start

Ìý

What’s created during this time will be displayed at Barney Ford Fundraiser Event on March 10.

Materials and snacks provided.

Ìý

Â鶹ӰԺ 2hrsBe an ally
ExtrasNewsletterSign up for weekly newsletters to learn about how to be a better ally in the workplace.15minBe an ally