November 17, 2017
Black Faculty Staff Alliance's next step after KSUnite
The Black Faculty Staff Alliance will kick off the BFSA Chair Book Club in February 2018.
Administrators, faculty, staff, students and community members can join the group as they explore "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America" by Ibram Kendi. In 2016, Kendi won the National Book Award for Nonfiction.
"To answer the question what's next after the universitywide KSUnite kickoff, BFSA is answering that call by hosting a thought-provoking and reflective dialogue around the history of racist ideas," said Kimathi Choma, assistant dean for diversity, recruitment and retention for the College of Arts and Sciences and chair of the Black Faculty Staff Alliance. "This book has truly opened my eyes and mind to how complex and deep these ideas have permeated our entire society."
"I am looking forward to BFSA hosting these dialogues," said Jessica Elmore, associate director of diversity programs for the K-State Alumni Association and chair-elect of the Black Faculty Staff Alliance. "This will be a great way for individuals who want to learn, understand and discuss how racist ideas and policies developed; this can be informative for our international communities and anyone who understands that racism exists in America but would like to take a closer look at the ideas, discrimination and policies that terrorize our communities."
Interested participants can order the book online or download the audiobook from the Manhattan Public Library through Hoopla or through K-State Libraries. Details about the book club are still being planned and more information will follow. If you are interested in participating in the BFSA Chair Book Club or would like to assist in planning, please send your information to bfsa@k-state.edu.