TL/DR –
The University of Michigan (U-M) will launch its second five-year strategic plan, DEI 2.0, at this year’s annual DEI Summit, which will coincide with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and its intersection with critical race theory. The summit, titled “Truth Telling: The Kinship of Critical Race Theory and Hip-Hop,” will kick off with a community assembly on October 9, featuring a roundtable discussion with hip-hop artists and critical race theory experts, as well as performances. The DEI 2.0 plan builds on the lessons from the first plan, DEI 1.0, and represents the university’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with additional activities and events scheduled throughout October.
U-M Introduces DEI 2.0 Five-Year Strategic Plan
Marking its continuous commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, U-M is prepared to kickoff its second five-year strategic plan, DEI 2.0, at the annual DEI Summit. This year’s summit highlights the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and its confluence with critical race theory, demonstrating the power of storytelling for societal transformation.
Themed as “Truth Telling: The Kinship of Critical Race Theory and Hip-Hop,” the summit begins with a community assembly on Oct. 9, featuring a panel discussion with hip-hop artists and critical race theory experts along with multiple performances.
“Yearly, our summit planning team fosters new ideas for community participation. Our focus is to invite influential speakers from diverse backgrounds who can share their expertise and life experiences,” said Tabbye Chavous, Vice Provost for Equity and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer. The event, co-hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Michigan Medicine, will be available on livestream from the Power Center for the Performing Arts at 10 a.m.
Featuring distinguished speakers such as Grammy-winning hip-hop artist and social activist David Banner, author and Professor of Law André Douglas Pond Cummings, and Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Rapsody. The panel discussion will be led by Antonio Cuyler, Professor of Music in Entrepreneurship & Leadership at the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance.
A special performance by Rapsody and a student hip-hop cypher, comprising students performing their original hip-hop piece, will also be a part of the assembly. Furthermore, community members are also invited to a DEI 2.0 Plan Information Session on Oct. 18 in the Michigan League Ballroom to discuss the aspirations and strategies for the upcoming plan.
The official launch of DEI 2.0 will be marked with a community-wide open house and celebration on Oct. 9 at Regents’ Plaza and the LSA Atrium. Open to all students, faculty, and staff, it will include live music, food, photo opportunities, prizes, and interaction with university leadership.
Alongside the community assembly and information session, the DEI Summit will host several events throughout October.
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