Bradley students came together this week to take part in a tradition started in 1977 that celebrates diversity, culture and the legacy of Romeo B. Garrett.
As the first black professor at Bradley, Garrett strived to raise student awareness about different cultures.
“His ideals of diversity, culture and inclusion spread beyond just his ethnicity,” Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion Norris Chase said. “He was keen on celebrating other cultures, making people feel like they were a part of something bigger than themselves.”
According to Chase, the purpose of this week is to remind students and faculty that diversity and inclusion is the responsibility of everyone.
Through a variety of events, diversity was discussed in a non-traditional way. Many organizations partnered with the Diversity and Inclusion Office to help expose students to diverse ideals and cultural backgrounds.
“Shades of HERstory” will conclude Garrett Week tonight at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, sponsored by the Black Student Alliance.
“The purpose of this program is to raise awareness about issues women experience,” Chase said.
Sexual assault, gender inequality and media are all topics that will be discussed during the event.
“This week represents Bradley University because it is the culmination of our core values,” Chase said.
Another initiative coming to campus in the fall is a peer education program called Bradley Advocating for Diversity (B.A.D.).
According to Chase, this program is designed to provide incoming freshman with an opportunity to discuss identity, diversity, privilege and power on campus. These talks are going to start in The University Experience classes and expand to other areas on campus as the organization becomes more stable.
“It’s important to learn about diversity because it’s an unspoken area that affects every individual in society,” junior sociology major Charlene Figueroa said.
Chase said Garrett dedicated his life to advocating for the needs of all students on campus. His highest priority was providing underprivileged people the opportunity to have academic achievement.
The Academic Achievers Banquet, held April 13, supported his dream by recognizing the educational success of minority students.
“Dr. Romeo B. Garrett was a pioneer on the Hilltop,” University President Joanne Glasser, the keynote speaker for this event, said. “He realized education is the key to opportunity.”
In 1964, a scholarship was created in his honor that gave 400 students the opportunity to come to Bradley. Every year, the Romeo B. Garrett Intercultural Leadership Award is also awarded to students who work to positively promote diversity and inclusion on campus.
“Educational institutions [influence] the social structure of society,” Figueroa said. “By acknowledging diversity and inclusion, schools are able to break barriers of prejudice and discrimination.”
After 30 years at Bradley, Garrett retired from the sociology department in 1976, but his influence remains.
“[Students and faculty can honor his legacy] by staying committed to the idea of academic excellence and continuing to step beyond their comfort zone when it comes to multiculturalism and diversity on campus,” Chase said.
