Feed Your Mind: Finding Hope In Helping Migrants

This unique lecture series transforms our library into a classroom and all of us into students as professors from the University of Denver lead us on an exploration of "hope." Each month, a different professor will explore hope through the lens of their work and scholarship. You will have the opportunity to learn about their ideas and perspectives, ask questions, and share your thoughts. Together, we will develop new understandings of hope in this complicated and challenging world.    

This series comprises of four sessions. Come to as few or as many as you'd like! All take place at the Sam Gary Branch Library. 

October 18, 2023
3-4 PM
Hope in Helping Migrants: Creating a More Humane System 
Elizabeth Escobedo, PhD

Immigrants wishing to seek safety from violence in their home countries find it difficult to do so at the US-Mexico border. Those who are able to enter the United States too often become ensnared in a draconian, for-profit immigrant detention system that tears families apart. It doesn't have to be this way. Join us in a conversation about what history tells us is possible when it comes to a more humane immigration policy in the US. Hear how DU students learning this history have provided invaluable support to immigrants in our community. 

November 15, 2023
3-4 PM
Hope and Aging: Building Tools to Stop Financial Exploitation
Eric Chess, MD, JD

As we age, our well-being is impacted by many factors. Financial stability is a significant, but often overlooked aspect of our overall health and well-being. This discussion will explore the connections between financial decision-making, cognitive health, and overall well-being. We will consider strategies to enhance financial well-being and protect against exploitation and fraud. Hope for awareness, empowerment, and prevention will be at the forefront of this discussion.

January 17, 2024
3-4 PM
Hope for Racial Equity: Building Racially Just Workplaces
Reginald Byron, PhD

U.S. employers have struggled with how to be racially inclusive for decades. Indeed, after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, there was a concerted effort to reverse the patterns of racial segregation in employment that were commonplace in the years before. But how far have we come? This talk will briefly introduce the audience to the status of contemporary racial inequality in the workplace before discussing cutting edge best practices toward greater racial equity at work. Join us to also discuss what individuals themselves can do to foster greater racial inclusivity in their own workplaces.

February 21, 2024
3-4 PM
Hope and Suicide: Helping People Stay Alive
Stacey Freedenthal, PhD

Few things are more stressful than knowing – or worrying – that someone you love thinks of ending their own life. You desperately want to help, and you have your own stress to deal with, too. In this talk, Dr. Freedenthal will cover different aspects of supporting someone with suicidal thoughts, both how to help someone stay safe and ways to engender hope. This talk is based on Dr. Freedenthal’s book Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts: What Family, Friends, and Partners Can Say and Do.