The Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Ethnic Relations on the campus of Western Michigan University presents informative and interesting speakers, community interest, and student-centered events throughout the year.
Lunch and Learn I Is the American Dream Still the American Dream?
October 7, 2022 I 11:30 a.m-1 p.m. I MultiCultural Center, Adrian Trimpe Building, WMU
Comic Creator Kenjji I The Making of Black Comics Workshop (Adults)
October 20, 2022 I 5:30 p.m. I Black Arts and Cultural Center Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, Downtown
As we continue to celebrate the premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, join us and long-time comic book creator Kenjji, as he teaches you how comic book characters and storylines are created. Both adult and youth classes are being offered, and you can RSVP for free by clicking the link above.
WIRE Youth Development Programs I Youth Juvenile Justice Fellows Judge Candidate Forum
October 23, 2022 I 7 p.m. I MultiCultural Center, Adrian Trimpe Building, WMU
We invite you to participate in the Lewis Walker Institute Youth Juvenile Justice Fellows Judge Candidate Forum. Our goal is to learn more about candidate platforms as they relate to the impacts of the juvenile justice system on youth in our community and to provide an opportunity for legislative engagement and advocacy. Our youth will develop forum questions and engage with you during this time.
Please join us on Sunday, October 23, at 4 pm in MCC (Multi-Cultural Center) in the Adrian Trimpe Building, Lot 39. (The physical address is 2466 Ring Road South, Kalamazoo, Mi 49008.) Parking is free, and this lot is directly behind the building. If you'd like to attend, please RSVP!
Co-Sponsored by the Lewis Walker Institute, LWI Youth Juvenile Justice Fellows, and the Southwestern Michigan Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc.
Gabby Rivera I Inspiring Radical Creativity Hosted by Dr. Gwen Tarbox
November 3, 2022 I 7 p.m. I South Ballroom, Bernhard Center, WMU
The Lewis Walker Institute presents Inspiring Radical Creativity with Gabby Rivera. This event taking place on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at 7 pm in the Bernhard Center - South Ballroom, will be hosted by Dr. Gwen Tarbox.
Gabby Rivera, a writer, and storyteller, who wrote the Marvel comic book America, about America Chavez, the first queer Latinx superhero, will be joining the WMU community for a conversation, to encourage individuals of all backgrounds to create, daydream, and tell their own stories. Learn more about Gabby Rivera here. To attend this free event, RSVP.
Co-Sponsored by Black Arts and Cultural Center of Kalamazoo, WMUx, and WMU Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services (LGBT)
Lunch and Learn I Racism in America: The African Diaspora
November 4, 2022 I 11:30 a.m-1 p.m. I MultiCultural Center, Adrian Trimpe Building, WMU
Let's talk about the African Diaspora on racism. Have lunch with us, discuss some impactful and critical issues, and continue to change the world! Get some LWI Swag for your participation.
Snacks will be provided. Please RSVP.
Comic Creator Kenjji I The Making of Black Comics Workshop (Kids)
November 4, 2022 I 5:30 p.m. I Black Arts and Cultural Center Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, Downtown
As we continue to celebrate the premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, join us and long-time comic book creator Kenjji, as he teaches you how comic book characters and storylines are created. Both an adult and a youth class are offered. Save yourself a space with an RSVP.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever I A Red Carpet Affair
November 10, 2022 I 7 p.m. I Celebration Cinema, Portage, MI
Please join the Black Arts and Cultural Center and the Lewis Walker Institute for a premiere red-carpet event: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever! See it here first with this advanced screening and be a part of history! Reserve a ticket today! (SEATING IS GENERAL AND LIMITED)
Your ticket will include:
- Cost of admission
- Popcorn and drink
- Complimentary red carpet photo
The doors open at 6 p.m. The show begins at 7 p.m. Please arrive early for photos and refreshments!
This fundraiser supports future Black Arts and Cultural Center events and the Lewis Walker Institute student gap funding initiatives.
MARVEL OFFICIAL TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z3QKkl1WyM
Get your tickets today!
Christopher "Mav" Maverick I Using Pop Culture to Engage Students
November 15, 2022 I 6-7:15 p.m. I Virtual, Webex, WMU
Co-Sponsored by Black Arts and Cultural Center of Kalamazoo, WMUx
As part of community-wide programming surrounding the release of the Disney/Marvel film Wakanda Forever, Dr. Christopher "Mav" Maverick, a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, will join a panel of WMU faculty and community partners to offer insights into increasing student engagement via the use of popular culture examples and artifacts in your courses. You don't have to be a pop culture expert to benefit from this session – it is geared towards all instructors, regardless of their superpowers.
Lunch and Learn I Student Conversation Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
December 2, 2022 I11:30 a.m-1 p.m. I MultiCultural Center, Adrian Trimpe Building, WMU
Let's talk about all things Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. We'll examine the film's historical value, your opinions on the content, what your thoughts are on Marvel's push into the future, and other topics that you choose to explore. Have lunch with us, discuss some impactful and critical issues, and continue to change the world! Get some LWI Swag for your participation.
Snacks will be provided. Please RSVP.
MLK 2023 Teach-In I The Fierce Urgency of Now
January 16, 2023 I11a.m-.3:00 p.m. I South Ballroom, Trimpe Building, WMU
Teach-In Agenda
- Session 1, 11 a.m. to noon, " The Fierce Urgency of Now," Putting things in perspective.
- Session 2, noon to 1 p.m., " The Fierce Urgency of Now,” The effects of environmental racism.
- Session 3, 1 to 2 p.m., " The Fierce Urgency of Now," Student Advocacy, a panel discussion featuring current student leadership.
- Session 4, 2 to 3 p.m., " The Fierce Urgency of Now,” What are the next steps?
Watch event live here.
An Evening with Jemele Hill
January 16, 2023 I 6 p.m. I Miller Auditorium, WMU
As a part of WMU's 2023 MLK Celebration, themed The Fierce Urgency of Now, we welcome nationally acclaimed speaker, podcaster, and journalist Jemele Hill. Ms. Hill will come to Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium for a conversation and community discussion. Ms. Hill, a Michigan native, recently released her memoir Up Hill, available now. This event will follow the 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. annual teach-in in Bernhard Center, for a complete listing of MLK Celebration events happening on campus, visit https://wmich.edu/mlk
Dr. Khalilah Comacho Ali moderated by Dr. Khalid El-Hakim
March 20, 2023 I 7 p.m. I Bernhard Center, WMU
Dr. Khalilah Camacho Ali (born in 1959) is an actor, martial artist, author, motivational speaker, aviator, and film producer. She is also known for being the former wife of boxer Muhammad Ali.
Dine 4 Justice
April 23, 2023 I 3 p.m. I Bernhard Center, WMU
The BLOCKS Club Initiative of Kalamazoo is partnering with the Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations to co-host our first Youth Juvenile Justice Fellows fundraising event, DINE 4 JUSTICE, April 23, 2023. The fundraising event will take place in the John T. Bernhard Center at Western Michigan University. Joining us is best selling author and motivational speaker Eric Thomas (aka ET), to deliver a powerful and inspirational speech to our community and youth guests.
In order to ensure a successful event and increase awareness about the opportunities for reform of the juvenile justice system, we need your help. Your support of Dine 4 Justice, allows us to continue developing youth social justice advocates who are effective community organizers and recognize the unique ways their voices can be used to impact system reforms. During the event, we seek to raise awareness about our goal to develop a Café Momentum inspired organization in Kalamazoo. Please consider a sponsorship at any level of giving. We hope DINE 4 JUSTICE will become an annual community event committed to supporting youth advocates today who will lead much needed change for tomorrow.
A light meal and dessert will be served.
For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please click here.