2020 Annual Report

SUNY Optometry Hosts First Annual BLAACK Week Launched in November (18-21), BLAACK (Because Learning Achieves Appreciation and Community Knowledge) Week is designed to bring awareness and appreciation of various cultures, particularly Black culture, through creativity and conversation. BLAACK Week is the first of many programs rolled out by the President’s Task Force on Race and Equity.

“I chose to get involved with BLAACK Week because I know that it can make an impact on the community at SUNY Optometry,” shared Sophia Johnson, National Optometric Student Association (NOSA) president and class of 2023 student. “It was important that I take part in being the change I wanted to see here at my school.” Hosted virtually, BLAACK Week included a talent show featuring live dance and music performances by SUNY Optometry students and staff and a movie night offering a compilation of films from various genres. The event also incorporated the annual Taste of NOSA, a festive feast and cultural event reimagined this year as a cooking class of shared recipes representing various ethnicities. Headlining the festivities was a book club meeting featuring a talk and group discussion of Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor’s Reflections on Race and Medicine with acclaimed author Dr. Damon Tweedy, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine, who shared his journey as a Black doctor in America and how race played a recurrent role in his training. “The Q and A session allowed community members to ask questions, which sparked meaningful conversation around the book topics,” said Assistant Clinical Professor Delaram Shirazian, OD, who was instrumental in organizing the talk and BLAACK Week activities along with fellow TFRE sub-committee member and Clinical Assistant Professor Shelby Leach, OD. “The hope is that BLAACK Week will become an annual event to continue celebrating various cultures and keep the community engaged in important discussions,” added Leach. Over 200 SUNY Optometry community members received Dr. Damon Tweedy's New York Times bestselling Black Man in a White Coat , and 140 participated in his virtual talk during the College's first annual BLAACKWeek.

“The hope is that BLAACK Week will become an annual event to continue celebrating various cultures and keep the community engaged in important discussions.” —Dr. Shelby Leach, Clinical Assistant Professor

In 2021 the College will welcome its first Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, a position supporting efforts to foster an inclusive and affirming environment for all.

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