Newberry College will present their 2022 Dufford Diversity and Inclusion Week (DDIW) on the theme of “You don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been” on October 17 – 24. The series is designed to inspire appreciation for the multiplicities of humanity and bring people together on common ground. SC Humanities supported this programming with a Mini Grant.
Dufford Diversity & Inclusion Week began in 2013 with the vision and generosity of Dr. William “Bill” Dufford, class of 1949, who continues to sponsor the program. Dufford made history in 1969 as the school administrator responsible for integrating the Sumter County school system. As an educator, he has been a lifelong advocate for civil rights and quality education for all.
This year’s program will include the following events, all of which are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.
Monday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.: Keynote address by Bakari Sellers, author, commentator and former South Carolina state representative. Newberry CollegeCenter for Teacher Education, 1121 Speers St. Delivering on the week’s theme, Sellers will discuss some of the experiences and influences that shaped him. A reception and book signing will follow.
Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.: “Sanctified” performance at the Newberry Opera House, 1201 McKibben St., Newberry. “Sanctified” is a lively, entertaining musical comedy that pokes fun at the comical characters and peculiar personalities all choir members must sometimes endure in trying to sing praises to the Lord. Written by Javon Johnson and underwritten by Dr. Bill Dufford. Tickets: $10 for the general public, free for Newberry College students
Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m.: Wednesday Chapel Service with the Rev. Dr. Carl R. Wells, director of equal opportunity at Iowa State University. Newberry College Wiles Chapel.
Thursday, Oct. 20 at noon: March and Rally for Ukraine. Join Newberry College students, faculty and staff in showing support for the people of Ukraine. The march begins at the main campus entrance on College St. and ends at the Center for Teacher Education. A brief program and prayer service will follow.
Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.: African American Alumni Panel. Newberry College Alumni Music Center. A thoughtful panel discussion featuring several Newberry College alumni as they share their experiences as students of color.
Friday, Oct. 21 at noon: Muller Center Table Discussion: “Called to Belonging.” Newberry College Kaufmann Hall. Each month, students, faculty and staff engage in the Muller Center’s lively table discussions on various topics and themes. This month’s table topic is “Called to Belonging.”
Monday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.: “The Invisibility of Disability.” Newberry College Center for Teacher Education, 1121 Speers St., Newberry. According to the CDC, one in four Americans has some type of disability.
“The Invisibility of Disability” is sure to be an insightful and engaging conversation between members of the Newberry College community and Able South Carolina. They will share their experiences as members of the disability community and how we can all work together toward full acceptance and inclusion.
For more information about Dufford Diversity Week, visit the website at: https://www.newberry.edu/dufford or call Dr. Peggy Winder at 803-924-9894.
The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c) 3 organization is governed by a volunteer 20-member Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.
