Join Dr. Soltani in examining contemporary human migration and its profound impact on the mental well-being of the migrants. Human migration is as old as human life on earth, but modernization, globalization, new technologies, and the disruptions of climate and socio-political violence have made human migration an even more pressing 21st century global reality. Increasingly, we see people migrating to improve their living conditions or to escape from war and poverty. However, as they arrive in unfamiliar lands--often thousands of miles from their places of origin--they experience existential homelessness which has lasting implications on the local experiences of migrants and the communities that welcome them. Therefore, 21st century human migration is not just an abstract sociopolitical phenomenon, but also an existential experience which has a profound local impact on the mental well-being of migrants. This lecture is an attempt to understand migration and its impact on the mental well-being of the migrants, and an invitation to consider ways to address these issues in our own communities.

“You Belong Here!” Creating Intersectional and Culturally Responsive Spaces for Youth"

Adolescence is a critical time in life, as middle school students deal with changing body image, familial relationships, shifting social circles, and a culture of increasing violence, bullying, and drug and alcohol abuse. Access to mentor relationships can, however, enhance the experiences of middle school students. Project BIG is a group mentoring project that partners college students with middle school students in a weekly after-school program. The associated course, WGST 230L2: Mentoring Youth in Urban Spaces and field experience (Project BIG) provides college students with extensive mentor education, using a critical Black feminist mentoring framework. The course and field experience offers a safe environment where students can share and receive support in regard to important issues that affect their lives. This lecture will discuss how Project BIG gives college and middle-school students an impactful, hands-on experience that ultimately transforms the Eastern Michigan University and Ypsilanti communities.

Dr. Tsu-Yin Wu will present an overview of health disparities among Asian Americans and Asians, based on evidence and also community-based programs she is conducting to reduce health disparities in this underserved population. In particular, she will review and identify health areas where Asian Americans have experienced health disparities, examine practices and attitudes regarding how Asian cultures impact Asian Americans’ health practices and behaviors, and present evidence-based strategies into effective interventions.