New Center Takes Strides Towards Change

In a world where people fear differences rather than appreciate them, where equality and justice isn't always for all, women like Loretta J. Williams, director of the Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights, offers a rejuvenated sense of hope.

This fall, Williams and the Center joined the Simmons Community for what promises to be a truly unique and beneficial experience for the College. CAS Dean Diane Raymond, is very excited about the new partnership. "There is an overlap in our mission and the center's, and it makes total sense for it to be housed here," Raymond said.

Formerly located at Boston University the center was founded in 1984 in honor of Gustavus Myers, the pioneering historian who authored History of Bigotry in the United States. According to its mission statement, the center "promotes living out diversity equitably." It encourages and welcomes the increasing range of scholarly and advocacy publications and offers anti-oppression training and consultation services.

The Center also annually reviews books that explore bigotry, social justice, and equity. Several faculty members including, Mark Soloman, professor emeritus; Patricia Rieker professor of sociology; and Becky Thompson, associate professor of sociology, James Corcoran chair and associate professor of communications, have received the Gustavus Myers Outstanding Book Award. The center will announce this year's award recipients on December 11th.

"I am encouraged to hear that the College is striving to better 'walk the talk' of diversity," said Williams. "In the struggle is the hope."

For more information about the Gustavus Myers Center or to be placed on the mailing list for the quarterly newsletter, Multidiversity: Myers Book Commentary log on to www.myerscenter.org.

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Katie Fiermonti
617.521.2369

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