Published: Feb. 4, 2021

Leeds MBA students launch racial equity habit-building challenge

Be The Change

In celebration of Black History Month, the University of Colorado Leeds MBA Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee is hosting its first #BeTheChange Challenge—a racial equity habit-building event. Throughout the month of February, participants will engage in daily activities to learn more about current and historical issues of racial inequity and ways to be a part of the solution.

Organized by the JEDI Committee, a team of students that promotes inclusive excellence in the Leeds MBA program, the challenge encourages participants to #BeTheChange they wish to see in the world. It also supports the Barney Ford Fellowship Fund for Diversity, a scholarship promoting diversity at Leeds.  

“The experience of organizing this event has been tremendously gratifying and inspiring,” said Thaala Loper, vice president of Leeds JEDI Committee. “I am humbled that this small kernel of an idea blossomed into a call to action for racial equity in our CU community and beyond.”

The challenge offers daily opportunities to explore articles, podcasts, music, movies and books on topics including mass incarceration, lethal police force, climate justice, and the disproportionate impact of COVID on Black-owned businesses. Individuals can choose to participate for as many days as they want to throughout the month.   

“I hope we will all be moved to fight for racial equity in our personal, professional and political lives,” said Loper.

Learn more about the #BeTheChange Challenge, view the daily activities, and register to participate here.