As the Derek Chauvin trial begins, our national attention again turns to Minneapolis. Our hearts are with all of our friends, neighbors, and colleagues who continue to experience trauma as a result of racial injustice. We stand with them in demanding real change.
When we look at the world's problems - racial justice, climate change, global health - it's hard to not be overwhelmed. Yet the wise John W. Gardner reminds us, “We are continually faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.”
With UMAC, our fellows come to us with a desire to make a difference, to tackle these "insoluble problems." We help them translate their good intentions into action. We know we are making a difference, within and beyond the university.
Yet, we also know we could do better. This last year has been a time of circumspection, and for asking important questions of ourselves. We recognize that, to realize our mission, our work needs to be grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
So we are reaching out, and listening, and developing stronger partnerships with the communities we aim to serve.
As we welcome a new UMAC Fellow cohort next fall, we are hopeful that we can make the most of these opportunities inherent in this time of reckoning.