UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Affirmative Action Office (AAO), in coordination with several graduate students at the Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA), are hosting an event that will engage participants in a deep-dive conversation regarding the implications of skin tone in the United States and abroad. The event, “The Paradox of Skin Tone,” will take place 6–7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, in 302 HUB-Robeson Center on the University Park campus.
“The Paradox of Skin Tone” is free to attend and open to all members of the Penn State community.
The organizers and facilitators of the event are Shakoor Ward, professional development coordinator for AAO, and SIA graduate students Mark Allen, Darren Bringham, Shireen Elayyan, Schönn Franklin, Jalen Jeter, Cierra Powell, Jada Quinland, Greta Shako, Olivia Smith, and Ian Tennison. The facilitators will engage participants through interactive activities to explore skin tone implications on genders, colorism, racial and ethnic identities, and sense of self.
“Globally, skin tone has implications on socioeconomic status, punitive relationships with the criminal justice system, lessened prestige, and career trajectory,” Ward said. “But the experience of skin tone harm has no sociopolitical outlet, which creates the skin tone paradox.”
Ward added that, in the United States, perceptions of racial and ethnic discrimination links fates to race and ethnicity, yet rarely considers skin tone. The fight against racial hierarchy is the main focus required among members of the same race, but does not address the internal hierarchy of skin tone, he said.
The AAO supports Penn State’s strategic goals of advancing a diverse and inclusive community by providing expert advice and leadership to colleges and campuses, and all non-academic units, ensuring an environment free from discrimination and harassment.
Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Alan Finnecy in advance of your participation or visit.