The Northwest Missouri State University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion invites all students and employees to join its Bearcat Diversity Book Club this fall for discussions about concepts of racism.

This fall’s book club for students will focus on “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy” by Emmanuel Acho. The author, a Fox Sports analyst, connects his own experiences with race and racism to insightful lessons in black history and black culture.

Registration for the student book club is now through Sept. 5. Students may sign up in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the J.W. Jones Student Union, and books will be provided.

The book club will meet in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion conference room and sessions will also be offered via Zoom.

Participating Northwest student employees also may receive Career Pathing credits.

Beginning Monday, Sept. 13, and continuing every week at noon for Northwest employees, Dr. Justin Mallett, assistant vice president of diversity and inclusion, and staff members representing the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will moderate a discussion based on “How to Be an Antiracist,” a book by Ibram Kendi.

That book discusses concepts of racism, and the book club will use Kendi’s antiracist framework to analyze individual and systemic actions to address issues of race.

“This will be an exciting book to read and will spark some engaging dialogue,” Mallett said. “This is an opportunity to learn and grow in the area of diversity and inclusion at your pace while interacting with other employees on campus.”

Employees must purchase their own books. The registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 27, by completing the online form at this link.

For more information about the Bearcat Diversity Book Club, contact Mallett at jmallett@nwmissouri.edu.