STCC’s Heart of a Man series returns for spring 2021
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College’s Heart of a Man virtual series returns this spring with discussions designed to engage men in conversations about masculinity, gender stereotypes, interpersonal violence, race, politics and social justice.
The four part series kicked off Feb. 11 with a talk titled “Hearts and Minds: A Dialogue on Education.” Visit the STCC YouTube channel to watch the video.
STCC students and the general public can register to join these online events and find out more information by visiting stcc.io/heart. The following are free and open to the public.
- March 11, 2 p.m.: Black & Blue: A Dialogue on Police Violence (Part 2): How do experiences of racialized trauma and police violence impact the way men of color show up to their families and communities, and what is needed for both social change and healing? Listen to experts and community panelists as we continue this dialogue, with a focus on current events that shed a light on the disproportionate response of law enforcement based on race, power and political ideology.
- April 8, 2 p.m., Changing Hearts: Men's Role in Ending Gender Based Violence: Gender based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, is a widespread issue that impacts communities across the United States and around the world. As fathers, brothers, uncles, teachers, coaches, and friends, men hold a critical role in creating families and communities free of gender-based violence. Listen to experts and community panelists as they break down the complex roots of violence and share how men and masculine identified people can mobilize one another to create social change.
- May 6, 2 p.m., MENtally Showing Up: A Dialogue on Mental Health and Wellness. Mental health and wellness is a critical issue throughout our country and on college campuses in particular. What are the challenges that prevent men from seeking support, addressing trauma, and taking steps to prioritize their own wellbeing? Join campus and community panelists as they explore the impacts of race, class and gender on men’s overall wellness.
“The series was created to engage men in very important conversations that impact communities of color as well as provide a space to connect students who are men with leaders in our community,” said Vonetta Lightfoot, Multicultural Affairs operation manager. “Shortly after the death of George Floyd, I felt it was necessary to get men in a room to discuss and debrief these societal issues that affect their daily existence and create a vehicle for healing and change.”
For more information, email Vonetta Lightfoot at vmlightfoot@stcc.edu
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu