Nebraska Athletics, Inclusive Communities hosts Race and Athletics Dialogue

Lincoln, Neb. – Authentic conversation filled the room as athletic staff members and community members engaged in dialogue about race, athletics, and the Lincoln community. On May 21st, Nebraska Athletics partnered with Inclusive Communities to host the monthly Table Talk. Based in Omaha, Inclusive Communities brings together a number of people interested in learning more about diversity and inclusion topics. With a recent push to expand to Lincoln, the opportunity to engage in dialogue about race and athletics was something that Diversity and Inclusion Director DaWon Baker felt was necessary and relevant.

“Our staff has shown an increased interest in learning more about diversity and inclusion based topics,” said Baker. “This provided us an opportunity to be community partners, and show others that Nebraska Athletics is an active partner in this work.” 

The Table Talk brings together individuals to have “uncomfortable conversations over comfortable meals.” Free admission, a free meal, and engaging dialogue was enough to inspire athletic staff and community members to come together and speak candidly about a difficult, yet necessary topic. For athletic staff members in attendance, the evening provided an opportunity to not only address some challenges they see, but how we can create opportunities to address the challenges.

“Table Talk provided an avenue for an open, engaging conversation.  From inclusion to current environments to the “big” conversations, we discussed ideas and shared strategies to build a basis of understanding and belonging for both staff members and our student-athletes.  It was wonderful to have the opportunity to have frank conversations with professionals from across the department about issues that impact us all.  Race is not an issue that we regularly discuss so freely, so it was great to hear everyone’s perspectives.”

-Nebraska Athletics Staff Member

The Table Talk is one of a number of upcoming diversity and inclusion initiatives that Nebraska Athletics will launch this summer. Set to debut in June, athletics will host monthly lunch and learn sessions dedicated to Diversity and Inclusion topics. Local professionals will deliver presentations that provide real life, tangible examples and insight.

For Baker, the lunch and learns are emerging at the right time. “Our commitment to diversity and inclusion has been evident by our diversity and inclusion efforts over the past few years, but it has become ever clearer that these types of events and dialogues are appreciated,” Baker noted. “The lunch and learns will provide an intimate setting to learn new information, hear different perspectives, and help our staff members develop a skillset around diversity and inclusion.”