College of DuPage, Glenbard Parent Series to host roundtable on social justice April 8

On Thursday, April 8, award-winning spoken word poet Jonathan Mendoza and author and human rights activist Qasim Rashid will explore ways to create a more inclusive environment during their virtual "Distinguished Round Table on Social Justice" discussion. The program will be 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This free event is presented by the Glenbard Parent Series: Navigating Healthy Families in partnership with College of DuPage.

The discussion will be livestreamed at cod.edu/gps.

During the discussion, Mendoza and Rashid will share practical steps to create a better environment for children as well as a more inclusive future for the nation. The speakers will examine how the power of dialogue and the strength of talk can overcome violence and hate and lead to a path to peace and understanding.

Mendoza is an award-winning spoken word poet, community organizer, activist and educator. He is a National Poetry Slam champion, a three-time award winner at the College Union Poetry Slam Invitational and the winner of the 2018 Sonia Sanchez-Langston Hughes Poetry Contest. His work has been featured in Huffington Post, The Boston Globe and Button Poetry.

Rashid is an author and human rights lawyer focused on children's advocacy, women's rights and religious freedom. His work has been published in national and international media outlets, including TIME and The Washington Post, and he has appeared on FOX News, CBS, CNN and NBC. He is the author of four books, including "Talk to Me: Changing the Narrative on Race, Religion, and Education," "The Wrong Kind of Muslim" and his forthcoming picture book, "Hannah and the Ramadan Gift."

Learn more about "Distinguished Round Table on Social Justice" at www.glenbardgps.org/event/social-justice-roundtable/

This presentation is aligned with Chaps Unite Against Racism, College of DuPage's institution-wide initiative designed to amplify the voices of COD students, faculty and staff, as well as the community to reflect, share and act against racism. The event will feature an opening welcome by COD Interim Dean of Students Dr. Nathania Montes.

Questions for the speakers may be submitted in advance to Glenbard District 87 Student and Community Projects Coordinator Gilda Ross at gilda_ross@glenbard.org.