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Everything I Need To Know About Diversity and Inclusion I Learned From Listening to Salsa

Friday, September 18, 2020 (Central Time) — 12:30PM - 1:15PM

Understanding Diversity and Inclusion requires mastering a language of words, concepts and themes that often are new for computer scientists. In the effort of presenting some of the ideas in a way that is more approachable, this workshop seeks to introduce these concepts through salsa music. Some of the themes discussed will include: equity, inclusion, injustice, discrimination, racism, freedom, unity, class systems, and identity. We will use music from: Tommy Olivencia, Eddie Palmieri, Luigi Texidor, Orchestra Harlow, Pete El Conde Rodriguez, Lalo Rodríguez, Hector Lavoe, Ismael Miranda, Rubén Blades, Roberto Roena, Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Rivera, and Marvin Santiago. For each of the themes, we will listen to a clip of a song (or two), displaying the lyrics in Spanish and English so the audience will understand the message. The audio will be followed with a group discussion of what each of these themes mean for diversity and inclusion. Salsa music is considered a dancing genre. But some songs also convey deep social messages. For Latinx attending the workshop, we hope they will connect principles of diversity and inclusion to the music they heard growing up. For other members of the Tapia community, we hope they will experience a taste of the Latinx culture. We hope that all participants will leave the session with a better appreciation of Latin American culture, a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion, and a renewed sense of unity through music. Dancing is not required during the session.

Panelist:
Manuel A. Pérez-Quiñones