NEWS

Newberry College will host the fourth annual Dufford Diversity and Inclusion Week Oct. 19-26, 2015. Through lectures, films and panel discussions, the week-long event seeks to foster a community that understands and appreciates diversity and creates an environment of inclusivity.

“Newberry College sets aside this week to remember that diversity remains an integral part of an effective society,” said Dr. Peggy Barnes-Winder, director of Diversity Education and professor of Physical Education. “Diversity in its many forms is an essential part of American culture.”

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, Oct. 19

No Fear for Freedom: The Musical Play. 7 p.m., Newberry Opera House. Features the riveting story of “The Friendship Nine,” a group of nine African-American men who went to jail after staging a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter in Rock Hill, S.C., in 1961.  The musical tells their story, including how “Jail, No Bail” helped relieve resource-strapped civil rights groups.  An educational presentation on the Friendship 9 also will be given at 11 a.m. for seventh grade graduates of the Dufford Diversity Series through the Newberry Opera House.

Tuesday, Oct. 20

Panel Discussion: The Friendship Nine. 7 p.m., Newberry College Alumni Music Center.

Members of the original Friendship Nine will share their experiences before, during and after their famed sit-in at McCrory’s lunch counter. Discussion will be moderated by Kim P. Johnson, author of the book, “No Fear For Freedom.”

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Documentary Film:  “Corridor of Shame.” 7 p.m., Newberry College Alumni Music Center.

“Corridor of Shame,” documents the state of neglect that has plagued the rural school districts of South Carolina and makes it difficult to provide an adequate education. Eight districts put the challenges of such fierce neglect before the courts in the case of Abbeville County School District v. The State of South Carolina.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Guest Speaker: The Legacy of Wendell Oliver Scott. 8 p.m., Newberry College Alumni Music Center.The late Wendell Oliver Scott broke down barriers in motor sports racing in 1953 by becoming the first African-American driver in NASCAR and the first African-American person to win a race in the Grand National Series (now the Sprint Cut Series). He died in 1990 but the Wendell Scott Foundation keeps his legacy alive through educational programs and initiatives that inspire young minds. His grandson, Warrick Scott, will share lessons learned about overcoming adversity and turning hardships into motivational opportunities.

Monday, Oct. 26

Panel Discussion: Challenge for Change

Newberry College convenes nationally recognized thought leaders for a panel discussion on the topics of social and justice awareness, international reconciliation and economic inclusion.  Panels include:

Gavin Serkin: Editor for Bloomberg News-London and author of “Frontier: Exploring the Top 10 Emerging Markets of Tomorrow”
Vincent Coyle: International civil rights activist, actor and world peace advocate
Terrence Gallman: Civil rights activist, playwright, film producer and author of the memoir “Finding Me”

About the Series and Sponsor

Dufford Diversity and Inclusion Week is made possible by the generosity of Dr. William Dufford, who made history for his efforts in 1969 to integrate the Sumter school district. During a turbulent time of violent social unrest, Dufford instead pressed for peaceful integration. He argued that desegregation focused on the idea of righting a major wrong, whereas integration emphasized inclusion, setting aside past injustices and looking toward the future. In 2014, he was the recipient of two humanitarian awards including the Governor’s Awards in the Humanities, for his lifetime contributions as an educator and civil rights advocate.

For more information about Dufford Diversity and Inclusion Week, contact program director Dr. Peggy B. Winder at peggy.winder@newberry.edu