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Lecture stresses equality
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by Melissa Lacas
Graduate Intern, Public Relations
Gayenell S. Magwood, Ph.D., R.N., likened the quest for equality in America to a long journey.
“Are we there yet?” she asked the audience Feb. 18. “We used to ask
this question as a child while on a long, uncomfortable care ride. Now,
as adults, we must ask this question en route to economic and social
equality.”
Magwood, an assistant professor in the College of Nursing, is the
co-principal investigator for Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community
Health. She also served as the project director for REACH 2010, a
Charleston and Georgetown Diabetes Coalition that focuses on reducing
disparities and improving care for African-Americans with diabetes.
Magwood believes that a strong sense of belonging is crucial to helping
people integrate. In her quest, Magwood learned to promote trusting and
open relationships, involve family and support networks and to learn to
listen.
“Because I love who I am,” Magwood said, “I am able to have more productive encounters.”
“We have to be open and begin to discuss the racial and ethnic
disparities that exist,” Magwood said. “This may be uncomfortable for
some people, but it has to be addressed. This is about equality and
equity, not just for black people, but for all.”
Magwood was among those speaking in the Black History Month Lecture
Series hosted by the Office of Student Diversity and the Multicultural
Student Advisory Board.
Friday, Feb. 27, 2009
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