Citizenship Series Promotes Critical Dialogue
- Sangamon County News
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) has already hosted three thought-provoking events as part of its spring 2025 Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series, with three more scheduled in the coming weeks. The series, which is free and open to the public, continues its mission of promoting engaged citizenship, cultural awareness, and respect for diversity.
The series began on Feb. 5 with "Artificial Intelligence (AI) For All: Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Empower Diversity, Equity and Inclusion." Sookyung Suh, an assistant professor at SIU School of Medicine, and Neetu Singh, an associate professor of management information systems at UIS, explored how AI can be used to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. They shared real-world case studies and strategies for integrating AI into workplace and social frameworks.
On Feb. 19, Chicago-based non-binary artist Moises Salazar Tlatenchi presented "Hijx De Viboras Doradas." Tlatenchi discussed their studio projects, which explore the intersections of queer and immigrant identities within the Latinx community. Their work challenges the dehumanization of immigrant communities and creates space for dialogue about equity and representation. A reception at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery followed, allowing attendees to meet the artist and continue the conversation.
The third event, held on March 5, featured Keisha Ray, an associate professor at the McGovern Center for Humanities & Ethics at UT Health Houston, with a presentation titled
"Believing Our Stories: Narrating Black Health and Health Equity." Ray addressed the effects of institutional racism on Black health, highlighting personal narratives and emphasizing the importance of linguistic justice and public scholarship.
The ECCE Speaker Series continues with the following upcoming events:
"What Does It Mean To Be White?" on March 26. Jacqueline Battalora, a professor of sociology at Saint Xavier University, will examine the relationship between American law and the perpetuation of whiteness as a dominant cultural and socio-political framework.
"Global Conflict in Context" on April 9. UIS School of Politics and International Affairs faculty Brandon Bolte, Isabel Skinner, and Ali Nizamuddin will analyze recent global conflicts, addressing their causes, patterns, and implications for migration and international relations.
"Building Tree Equity to Support Health Using The Miyawaki Method" on April 23. Christine Dannhausen-Brun, chief operations officer of Nordson Green Earth, will discuss the Miyawaki method of creating small, fast-growing forests in urban areas. These forests promote biodiversity, remediate damaged soils, and help communities address the health effects of climate change.
All events take place at 6 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. The ECCE Speaker Series continues to offer the UIS community and the public opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives and critical issues.