Mandela Social Justice Day keynote to explore values of equity in reproductive health

The University of Southern Indiana Nelson Mandela Social Justice Commemoration Committee will host Dr. Rachel Hardeman, reproductive health equity researcher, for the annual Mandela Social Justice Day. The presentation, “Black Reproductive Health: Getting at the Root Cause of Inequity,” will begin at 4:30 p.m. Monday, February 27 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West on campus. The event is open to the public at no charge. 

Hardeman says structural racism puts Black birthing people at a disadvantage before, during and after pregnancy, leading to heartbreaking health inequities for themselves and their babies. Relationship centered and culturally centered care models provide needed support to Black birthing people, making strides on the path towards racial birth equity. 

Hardeman is a tenured Associate Professor in the Division of Health Policy and Management at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health, the Blue Cross Endowed Professor in Health and Racial Equity and the Founding Director of the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity. 

USI has sponsored the Nelson Mandela Social Justice Day and Speaker Series since 2014. "It has been a pleasure serving with my colleagues to support the legacy of Nelson Mandela,” says Dr. Veronica Huggins, Associate Professor of Social Work and Co-Chair of the Nelson Mandela Social Justice Committee. “The committee allows us to intentionally seek out social justice warriors to share insight on the importance of inclusivity, equality and equity." 

The goal of this event is to raise dialogue at USI around current issues of human and civil rights, public service and activism through diverse, dynamic, nationally and internationally known public intellectuals and academics. Previous speakers include authors Manisha Sinha, Tim Wise, and Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, community organizer Tia Oso, and academics and activists such as Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Angela Davis.  

“The annual Mandela Day at USI gives students, faculty, staff, and community members an opportunity to learn, reflect and determine action steps needed to address social injustice,” adds Dr. Elissa Mitchell, Associate Professor of Social Work, and Co-Chair of the Nelson Mandela Social Justice Committee. “We look forward to welcoming Dr. Hardeman and learning how structural racism affects reproductive health outcomes.” 

The 2023 Mandela Social Justice Day is sponsored by the Nelson Mandela Social Justice Committee and the College of Liberal Arts, in partnership with the Center for Social Justice Education; Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Romain College of Business; Multicultural Center; Housing and Residence Life; and the Provost's Office. 

For more information about the annual event, visit the Mandela Social Justice Day website.