New Initiative: Aggie Conversations Series Aims to Bridge Understanding of Racial Experiences
This week in College Station, Texas, the ongoing quest for a deeper understanding of the Black experience in America takes a significant step forward. On Tuesday, September 17, the popular Aggie Conversations series will feature Dr. Michelle Edwards, an accomplished educator and program coordinator hailing from Kansas City, Missouri. This much-anticipated discussion kicks off at noon and is focused on encouraging engaging dialogue among Aggies.
What is Aggie Conversations?
Aggie Conversations is a weekly online series that began in the summer of 2020 with a vision to foster open and honest discussions about race, particularly aimed at non-Black Aggies who are curious about the Black experience at Texas A&M University and beyond. The discussions are designed for both current and former students, creating a safe space for learning and sharing.
The forum was conceptualized by Ken Robinson, a Texas A&M graduate from the Class of 1994, who works tirelessly to enhance connections among the Aggie community. With his experience and leadership roles, including serving as a board member for various Aggie networks, Robinson is committed to making a difference by facilitating these crucial conversations.
What to Expect
During each Aggie Conversations session, participants can look forward to engaging dialogues centered around important topics related to the Black experience. The format usually involves two phases. In the first part, only the moderator and guest speaker will be unmuted to steer the conversation, while participants can contribute in the chat. The second phase opens the floor to everyone, inviting attendees to share thoughts and questions aloud with one another.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in attending, you’ll need to register in advance to secure your spot—it’s capped at 100 participants per session. For those looking to ask questions during the forum, participants are encouraged to submit questions beforehand. An email can be sent directly to Ken Robinson to submit inquiries that will guide the discussion.
Setting Guidelines for Respectful Dialogue
To ensure a positive and respectful atmosphere, a set of Rules of Engagement has been established for participants. It’s a platform meant for all Aggies, where the only requirement is a genuine curiosity to learn and understand. Questions can range from historical contexts to current events, enabling an open dialogue where everyone can grow in their knowledge.
Previous Discussions Available for Viewing
Did you miss a session? No worries! All previous Aggie Conversations are recorded and can be accessed for anyone who wants to catch up on past discussions. The recordings are made available for on-demand viewing, ensuring that everyone can learn at their own pace.
How Aggies Make a Difference
The initiative has already seen positive feedback as former and current students engage, share, and learn together. The underlying sentiment among participants is clear: when Aggies see a need, their energy and selflessness draw others into the cause, paving the way for good things to happen. Together, they are fostering a community that is not only well-informed but is also compassionate and understanding.
As the Aggie Conversations series continues to thrive, it highlights the importance of communication and understanding in paving the road to inclusivity. This Tuesday’s conversation promises to be an enlightening experience, and all Aggies are welcome to participate.
