Memory, imagination, and place are inextricably connected. This talk will present three public art, exhibition, and photo book projects that Njaimeh Njie has created to explore how the lived experiences of Black Pittsburgh residents are held within the landscape of the city. These will serve as a launching pad for thinking through the connections between shared space and shared stories, and what these mean for how we see ourselves, our present, and our futures in the places we call home.

Beyond Crisis Creativity: Imagining New Futures Through Art and Youth Activism

What does it take to become an American? Born in Mogadishu to nomadic parents, Abdi Nor Iftin survived famine, war, and child soldiering. In an amazing stroke of luck, he won entrance to the U.S. in August 2014. Abdi shares every part of his journey and his new life in the US.

This book details how any administration intent on pursuing a pro-fossil policy, when Congress fails to act as a check, can change governance rules to permanently entrench oil and gas extraction and reliance in the United States and to cripple regulatory agencies. The Trump administration’s actions which violated traditional bipartisan values of economic prudence, environmental stewardship and respect for democratic norms, damaged Americans’ health, economy and governing institutions.

The “What’s in a Name?” series aims to open a doorway to explore issues that affect us every day, and that, ultimately, reverberate through the most intimate aspects of who we are. While we will explore basic tools and name etiquette, with the kindness and respect we all deserve, we intend to reflect about what our names say about us, and how they may be used to define who we are.

Learn from expert speakers about critical issues facing the Arctic region—such as climate change, Arctic security, and shifting cultural identities during the Anthropocene. Attendees will receive a resource book about future opportunities to explore Arctic topics.

Spring semester 2022 Educators Advisory Board meeting

Emily Olmstead is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Global Studies Certificate. She serves as Program Coordinator at American Councils for International Education, Tajikistan and possesses diverse global work experience. Emily is experienced in language instruction, development, and youth work, with an interest in international education, gender equality, and human rights. She will discuss her career experiences as well as insight navigating changes in global work from a currently remote position.

Dr. Abdesalam Soudi serves as Professor, Cultural Competence Consultant, and Cultural and Linguistic Competence Master’s Course Co-Director, Family Medicine Department at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh. He is a Sociolinguist recognized for several scholarly accomplishments in Conversation Analysis, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, Arabic Linguistics, Electronic Health Records, Cultural Competency in medical practice. He leads a cross-disciplinary Humanities in Health initiative (HinH).

Dr. Priya Sirohi discusses her career as professor, writer, researcher, and scholar of cultural rhetoric. Her research conducts case studies between the English East India Company and Mughal India, to illuminate the significance of Early Modern economics that continue to define contemporary globalization. She holds a doctorate from Purdue University with secondary concentrations in Public Rhetoric and Cultural Rhetoric