Engagement
St. X believes in not only educating in the classroom but providing a variety of experiences that supplement that core competency. Our inclusive engagement brings stories into the building with iconic people who share first hand experiences, through leaders who challenge our students and various other forms of exposure to help our students see the world from a different perspective which ultimately widens their lens of cultures and people with disabilities.
HBCU Roundtable
Representatives from HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) spent time on the campus of St. Xavier High School yesterday for an HBCU Roundtable to talk about the values and benefits of attending their member institutions. Represented among them were doctors, IT executives, engineers, and Health Care practitioners. In addition, the students learned the cultural advantages of attending HBCU’s and how it contributed to their successful careers.
Iris Roley
Iris Roley’s visit with the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) students. Iris is with the Cincinnati Black United Front and has been a leader in the formation of the Collaborative Agreement with the Cincinnati Police Department. She has worked tirelessly for well over the last 20 years in advocating for racial justice here in Cincinnati. She met with our students and discussed the history and formation of the Collaborative Agreement, including the important lesson that all concerned voices needed to be at the table in order for the CA to be successful. She shared the wisdom she has gleaned from a lifetime of fighting for a better, safer community and her optimism for the future due to the amazing young people getting involved in the fight for social justice today.
Haley Thurston
Haley Thurston came to speak to our Morality and Justice classes to share her story as a young woman who is blind. She talked about her daily challenges and celebrations. Her positive and enthusiastic outlook on her life was infectious. She taught all of us that despite our challenges in life, we can always find happiness and gratitude.
Heidt Smart House
One of the Morality and Justice with Service classes serves young men with disabilities who live in the Heidt House in Anderson Township. This smart house is equipped with state of the art technology that supports independent living for the residents. It serves as a national model for innovative housing options for adults with disabilities. Our students meet there to play, talk, and eat with the residents of the Heidt House. Click on the link below to take a tour of this one of a kind living arrangement
Hank Willis Thomas Exhibit
HAC students at the Hank Willis Thomas exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum “All Things Being Equal” on 11-7-20.
Black Student Union
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Members of the Cincinnati Police Department met with the BSU Students at St. X to talk about building police community relations, conflict resolution and law enforcement careers. Retired officer Scotty Johnson and officers Eddie Hawkins, Sabreen Robinson and Stephen Saunders engaged with over 50 young Bombers and answered their questions as well.
With the success of this first engagement, we have decided to continue the dialogue to foster further understanding on both sides for the greater good and Cura Personalis.
Black Bombers Alumni Network
St. Xavier alumni David Walker, Ihsan Walker and Justin Chess (not pictured) spoke to our African American students about their life experiences, how St. X helped to shape their growth and prepare them for success. In addition they offered mentoring and support to the current St. X students providing them with access to the newly formed Black Bombers Alumni Network. Afterwards the students and alumni enjoyed a nice cultural cuisine courtesy of JT’s Hot Plate and Catering.
Betty Rosemond
Ms. Betty Rosemond, one of the original Freedom Riders, spoke to our students on several occasions, telling her personal story of fighting for change in the civil rights era. Our young men and faculty were moved by her message of hope and love despite the backdrop of racism and civil discourse in the south. Ms. Rosemond’s contributions and ability to connect with our students gave them a true sense of history that aligned with their Other Voices of American Literature classes.
Pastor Chuck Mingo
Chuck Mingo Pastor of Crossroads Church Oakley was our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Speaker and talked about Dr. King’s alignment with the Five Marks of a Man as it relates to the young men of St. X taking a leadership role through decision making and embracing the Grad at Graduation principles of St. X.
Dr. Maisha Gray-Diggs
Dr. Gray-Diggs Senior Director of Technical, University, and Events Recruiting for Twitter spoke to our young men about social media; the perils and pitfalls of negative postings and how it can work against you when it’s time to apply for college or for employment.