Empowered Echoes

By: Alisha Burnett
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  • Summary

  • Empowered Echoes amplifies the voices of the NKU community, showcasing the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of its members. Join us as we explore critical issues impacting the campus and the broader region, with a focus on fostering dialogue, understanding, and positive change. This season, we center the narratives of students, faculty, and staff as they grapple with the evolving role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Kentucky higher education.
    © 2024 Alisha Burnett
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Episodes
  • Black Voices at NKU: A Panel Discussion

    Black Voices at NKU: A Panel Discussion
    Nov 12 2024
    On this episode of Empowered Echoes, we examine a panel discussion at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the university. The discussion features several panelists, including faculty, staff, administrators, and students, who discuss the challenges and successes of promoting DEI at NKU. The conversation highlights initiatives such as the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) and the Students to Scholars (S2S) program, which aim to foster community, support Black students, and enhance their academic experience. The panelists also address issues like the "black tax" – the implicit expectation for Black individuals to shoulder extra responsibilities within their communities – and the need for intentional recruitment and retention efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable campus environment.Empowered Echoes amplifies the voices of the NKU community, showcasing the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of its members. Join us as we explore critical issues impacting the campus and the broader region, with a focus on fostering dialogue, understanding, and positive change. This season, we center the narratives of students, faculty, and staff as they grapple with the evolving role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Kentucky higher education.This podcast doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations. It examines both the positive contributions of DEI programs and the controversies surrounding them, including recent legislative actions that have sparked debate and concern.This podcast comes from Northern Kentucky University (NKU), produced and edited by Alisha Burnett.Learn More from this episode by exploring these Q&A:What is NKU R.O.C.K.S.?NKU R.O.C.K.S. (Retention of Campus Kin and Scholars) is a student support program at Northern Kentucky University designed to enhance the experience of African American students. The program offers various resources and initiatives, including mentoring, social events, leadership development opportunities, and academic support, to foster a sense of belonging and empower students to thrive academically, socially, and professionally.https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/aasi/rocks.htmlWhat is the mission of the Black Alumni Council at NKU?The Black Alumni Council (BAC) aims to enrich the experience of African American alumni by providing professional development opportunities, fostering student-alumni interactions, and cultivating relationships among alumni from diverse generations and disciplines. The BAC strives to support the continued success and engagement of NKU's Black alumni.https://inside.nku.edu/alumni/get-involved/black-alumni-council.htmlHow does the Black Faculty Staff Association (BFSA) contribute to NKU?The BFSA plays a crucial role in supporting and uplifting Black faculty and staff at NKU. Established in the 1980s due to a recognized need for community among the limited number of Black employees and students, the BFSA provides a platform for networking, advocacy, mentorship, and professional development, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting the success of Black faculty and staff within the university.https://inside.nku.edu/bfsa.htmlHow can alumni contribute to supporting Black students at NKU?Alumni can engage in mentorship through programs like the Black Alumni Council, which provides guidance and support to current Black students. Additionally, alumni can contribute to the BAC Endowment Scholarship, participate in events like the BAC Sneaker Drive, and volunteer their time to various initiatives that aim to enhance the experiences of Black students at NKU.https://supportnku.nku.edu/givetobacWhat is the Black Studies minor at NKU, and what are its benefits?The Black Studies minor at NKU offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the experiences of people of African descent. Students delve into Black history, sociology, religion, economics, politics, psychology, literature, art, and music. The minor encourages critical thinking about the role of race in society and equips students with skills applicable to various careers, including policy analysis, community organizing, and diversity coordination.https://www.nku.edu/academics/artsci/programs/undergraduate/minors/black-studies.htmlMusic by Scott Buckley – www.scottbuckley.com.au
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    27 mins
  • New Leaders, New Kentucky: The Fight for Inclusive Education

    New Leaders, New Kentucky: The Fight for Inclusive Education
    Nov 12 2024
    On this episode of Empowered Echoes, we explore the lived experiences of NKU students navigating a changing landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in Kentucky higher education. We hear firsthand accounts of how DEI programs have fostered belonging and opportunity, alongside concerns arising from recent legislative actions impacting these programs.Empowered Echoes amplifies the voices of the NKU community, showcasing the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of its members. Join us as we explore critical issues impacting the campus and the broader region, with a focus on fostering dialogue, understanding, and positive change. This season, we center the narratives of students, faculty, and staff as they grapple with the evolving role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Kentucky higher education.This podcast doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations. It examines both the positive contributions of DEI programs and the controversies surrounding them, including recent legislative actions that have sparked debate and concern.This podcast comes from Northern Kentucky University (NKU), produced and edited by Alisha Burnett. Learn More from this episode by exploring these Q&A:How does NKU support its African American students?NKU provides a supportive space for African American students through its African American Student Initiatives (AASI) office. AASI offers various resources and programs, including the NKU R.O.C.K.S. mentoring program, which assists first-year students in their transition to college life. They also host events like the annual SHEREHE celebration for African and African American graduates, providing an African-centered recognition of their achievements.https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/aasi/rocks/about.htmlHow is NKU addressing concerns about legislative actions impacting DEI initiatives?The university recognizes the concerns surrounding legislative actions that threaten DEI initiatives. NKU reaffirms its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its leadership is actively working to ensure that all students feel welcomed, respected, and valued on campus. They are committed to upholding the principles of equality and justice, advocating for the rights of all students, and ensuring that Kentucky remains a beacon of inclusivity and democracy.What opportunities are there for students to engage in social activism and advocacy at NKU?NKU encourages student participation in social activism and advocacy. The university hosts events like the March on Frankfort, where students can join community leaders and advocate for policies that promote equality and justice. Students can also get involved in organizations like Kuckians for the Commonwealth, which empowers Kentuckians to work together for social, economic, and environmental justice.https://www.thenortherner.com/news/2024/02/28/sga-invites-students-to-rally-against-anti-dei-legislation/https://archive.kftc.org/contactWhat role do student organizations play in promoting diversity and inclusion at NKU?Student organizations play a vital role in fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Organizations like the Black Student Union, Nu Upsilon Black Women’s Honorary, and Black Women’s Organization create spaces for Black students to connect, support each other, and celebrate their culture. NKU also has a powerful Greek life presence, with historically Black fraternities and sororities actively contributing to campus life and advocating for social change.https://inside.nku.edu/studentaffairs/departments/aasi/get-involved/student-orgs.htmlHow does NKU integrate Black history and culture into its curriculum and programming?NKU offers courses and programs that explore Black history and culture, such as the Popular Culture Hip Hop course, which examines the connection between hip hop music and Black culture. During Black History Month, the university hosts a variety of events, including workshops, lectures, performances, and community service opportunities, aimed at educating the campus community and fostering intercultural understanding. See more about the Black Studies minor at Northern Kentucky University below.https://www.nku.edu/academics/artsci/programs/undergraduate/minors/black-studies.htmlMusic by Scott Buckley – www.scottbuckley.com.au
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    21 mins

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