NEWS

NEWBERRY — Newberry College will celebrate its 12th annual Dufford Diversity & Inclusion Week with a series of events from Oct. 21-27. The series is designed to inspire appreciation for the multiplicities of humanity and bring people together on common ground. This year’s theme is “Don’t Just Sit There, Do Something.”

This year’s program will include the following events, which are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

Monday, Oct. 21
Keynote and Q&A with Members and Mentors of DAYLO
7 p.m. | Gnann Conference Room, Center for Teacher Education

Join us as we kick off Dufford Diversity & Inclusion Week with a keynote from DAYLO student leaders Patrick Good and Kate Selvitelli, with mentors Claire Bennett and Jonathan Haupt. Nationally recognized for its pro-literacy advocacy in response to censorship, the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization is a student-led diversity-themed book club and community service group with chapters across South Carolina. The organization was recognized in 2023 by the American Association of School Librarians for its defense of intellectual freedom and First Amendment rights. Haupt (right) is the executive director of the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literacy Center in Beaufort. A ‘meet, greet & eat’ with the keynote speakers will be held at 6 p.m., just before the start of the presentation.

Tuesday, Oct. 22
Literature for Life: Seeing our World through Mirrors and Windows
6 p.m. | Cathy Mitchell Children’s Library, Center for Teacher Education

This event is a discussion on diversity in children’s literature and a celebration of local and Newberry College authors. The celebration will include a presentation by Newberry-born educator and motivational speaker Dr. Timothy B. Hunter.

Wednesday, Oct. 23
Wednesday Chapel
10 a.m. | Wiles Chapel

The Rev. Ken Nelson '90, superintendent for the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, will deliver the homily at the weekly Wednesday Chapel service.

Wednesday, Oct. 23
Makin’ Cake with Dasha Kelly Hamilton
7 p.m. | Newberry Opera House

In her show, Hamilton slices into American history exploring race, culture and class in a refreshing and fun way. It is storytelling in layers and filled with aha moments and poignant vignettes, digital media and a supporting cast of two on-stage bakers. A cake reception immediately follows the performance. This event is a collaboration with the Newberry Opera House, free for Newberry College students with ID and $15 for general admission.

Thursday, Oct. 24
Banned Books on Fire
3:30 p.m. | Gnann Conference Room, Center for Teacher Education

Join us for a discussion panel around books that have been banned, presently and historically, in libraries, bookstores, and schools.

Friday, Oct. 25
Table Talk
Noon | Kaufmann Dining Hall

The Muller Center for Multicultural & Civic Engagement invites you for a lively lunchtime discussion around the theme, “Don’t Just Sit There, Do Something.”

Friday, Oct. 25
A Cookout Connecting Diversity
4-8 p.m. | Patio at Kaufmann Hall

Newberry students, faculty and staff are encouraged to enjoy food, fellowship and discussion.

Sunday, Oct. 27
Beyond the Score: Celebrating Diversity in Music
6 p.m. | West Memorial Recital Hall, Alumni Music Center

Presented by the Newberry College Music Society, this inaugural event features talented performers showcasing works from underrepresented backgrounds.

About Dufford Diversity & Inclusion Week

Dufford Diversity & Inclusion Week began in 2013 with the vision and generosity of Dr. William “Bill” Dufford '49, 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 series is also made possible in part by a grant from South Carolina Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Established in 1973, the council enriches the cultural and intellectual lives of South Carolinians through literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences.

Presented in collaboration with campus and community partners, the series is curated by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, and the Dufford Diversity Committee.