Our community and nation are in a moment of racial crisis, pain and long-overdue reckoning. At UMKC, we are leading thoughtful action on campus and in our community to ensure lasting and comprehensive change through Roos Advocate for Community Change. This effort is comprehensive, with intensive work on campus and in the community and engaging our strong relationships with alumni, trustees, volunteers and community advisory boards.

UMKC aspires to be a place where all individuals are valued for their unique contributions to our community of learning, regardless of race, social or cultural identities. This is written into our mission, vision and values. Additionally, we place a high priority on diversity — Pillar Four of our Strategic Plan is to “foster an environment of invigorating multiculturalism, globalism, diversity and inclusion. Finally, our Inclusive Excellence Plan (PDF) ensures we live up to our values. These are the values that inspire our action.

Critical Conversations

UMKC is convening regional leaders for tough conversations our community needs to have about race.

Critical Conversation Next Event: The Role of Antiracism Work and Healing in Museums

Date: September 9, 2021

Time: 3:00 pm

Panelists:  Rashida Phillips, Executive Director of The American Jazz Museum, Dr. Matthew Naylor, President/CEO National WWI Museum and Memorial, Julian Zugazagoitia, Director/CEO of The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Glenn North,  Executive Director of Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center

Moderator:  Gary O’Bannon, Executive In Residence, Assistant Teaching Professor at Henry W. Bloch School of Management

Register in advance for this meeting:

Register Here

Watch Past Critical Conversations