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Racial Justice

The influence and importance of language
A person in an American flag outfit and bandana carrying an American flag in front of a large group of people at the U.S. Capitol building. Many hold flags that read "Trump 2020."

On Jan. 6 2021, a group of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building, resulting in the death of five people. (Image: Tyler Merbler)

The influence and importance of language

Labels for what happened Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol were very different from those used to describe the Black Lives Matter movement or the 2020 election results. How much weight do individual words actually have? It depends on the context.

Michele W. Berger

The state of U.S. democracy
the capitol building in washington dc

While a new administration transitions into office, the past four years have left the country asking, “How strong is our democratic foundation?”

The state of U.S. democracy

On the eve of a presidential inauguration following a historic election and its aftermath, experts from across the University weigh in on where we stand as a country.

Brandon K. Baker , Michele W. Berger , Kristen de Groot , Kristina Linnea García , Dee Patel , Louisa Shepard

26th annual MLK symposium goes online
Woman cups a candle with a gloved hand. She is standing in a circle with other candle-holders in the snow.

The candlelight vigil “was always powerful and will continue to be” as it offers a moment to reflect on the man and his legacy, says Toliver. Here, the Penn community gathers in 2007 to commemorate. 

26th annual MLK symposium goes online

Virtual events over three weeks offer opportunities to reflect, engage, and celebrate with family, colleagues, and friends.

Kristina Linnea García

Howard Stevenson on creating change through racial literacy
Howard Stevenson listens as a colleague talks to him.

(Pre-pandemic image) Penn GSE’s Howard Stevenson is a nationally sought expert on racial stress and racial trauma.

(Image: Greg Benson Photography/Penn GSE)

Howard Stevenson on creating change through racial literacy

In the wake of the series of police killings of Black people that sparked historic protests and heightened national conversation about race, and amid persistent structures of systemic racism, how can people of color promote their own emotional well-being and healing? How can leaders and organizations create lasting change to advance anti-racism and social justice?

From Penn GSE

Exacerbating the health care divide
Large rendering of the healthcare cross symbol with people standing both on top of and below the symbol against a background featuring the coronavirus germ floating nearby.

Exacerbating the health care divide

With rates of diagnoses and death disproportionately affecting racial minorities and low-income workers, experts from the School of Arts & Sciences address how COVID-19 has further exposed already dire health outcome inequalities.

From Omnia

How the dialogue on diversity is reshaping business
Person in demonstration crowd holding a sign that reads IF YOU CHANGE NOTHING NOTHING CHANGES.

Pre-pandemic image

How the dialogue on diversity is reshaping business

The final panel discussion in the Beyond Business series, “Race & The Selling of America,” brings together Wharton dean Erika James with professionals in film and sports to discuss how diversity is reshaping businesses and brands.

From Knowledge at Wharton

Engaging Minds showcases Penn’s very best bringing theory to practice
istock art of digital learning

Image: iStock

Engaging Minds showcases Penn’s very best bringing theory to practice

Alumni tuned in from across the world to hear Daniel Gillion discuss the power of protests, Amy Castro Baker give a crash course on the impact of guaranteed income, and Ezekiel Emanuel detail the intricacies of distributing a COVID-19 vaccine.

Lauren Hertzler

Pussy Riot co-founder talks politics, prison time, and protests
Group of women wearing colorful knitted balaclavas sit on the floor in front of Marshall speakers and amps

(Pre-pandemic image) Pussy Riot members in their signature colorful balaclavas in 2012. (Image: Denis Bochkarev)

Pussy Riot co-founder talks politics, prison time, and protests

In a virtual talk hosted by the Andrea Mitchell Center, Nadya Tolokonnikova, a co-founder of the Russian punk protest group Pussy Riot, had a wide-ranging conversation with Penn’s Kevin M.F. Platt.

Kristen de Groot