TCNJ

e College of New Jersey ANNUAL REPORT 2018–2019 Months of Celebration Three-time Paralympic medalist Bonnie St. John visited TCNJ in February to celebrate Black History Month. St. John reminded the audience that Black history is American history and challenged students to act as #CrossRaceAllies. Author, activist, and sociology professor Patricia Hill Collins headlined three events in early April in honor of Women's History Month. Collins discussed the role of intersectionality in the fight for social justice and said that "social justice is about speaking truth to power." Sylvia Mazzula '98, MA '02, left, associate professor of psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an award-winning mental health researcher, returned to her alma mater in October in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Mazzula encouraged students to embrace their roots, create their own opportunities, and share their stories. Lavender Events With the help of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, PRISM and student government held the first Lavender Convocation in October. The ceremony welcomed new and returning members of the LGBTQ+ community at TCNJ and complements the annual Lavender Graduation held in May to honor graduating members of the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate diversity and inclusivity for everyone. Mothers of the Movement Samaria Rice and Gwen Carr, mothers of Tamir Rice and Eric Garner, shared their moving stories of losing their sons to police violence and becoming involved in the fight for justice. The Black Student Union and the Department of African-American Studies hosted the event. Author, activist, and journalist Bakari Kitwana served as moderator. Peppermint This fall, TCNJ welcomed performer, actress, transgender rights activist, and RuPaul's Drag Race Season 9 contestant, Peppermint. Her show featured a lip-sync performance and a Q&A with attendees. The event was hosted by CUB and PRISM. Meagan McDowell '20

• Cover