YAAA Career Connections

Event Recap: YAAA Book Club Discussion - The Vanishing Half: A Novel By Brit Bennett

On Tuesday, July 28^th, several YAAA members attended a Zoom book club discussion on The Vanishing Half: A Novel by Brit Bennett. Themes that emerged during the discussion included: race, racial identity, colorism, passing, privilege, cultural trauma, the “American Dream” of whiteness, racial bigotry, two faces of the black experience, perceived stain of blackness, performing race, tragic mulatto, domestic violence, belonging, loneliness, and abandonment.

In addition, a few of our members agreed to share how the book personally resonated with them:

YAAA Social Justice Statement

Yale African American Affinity Group (YAAA) stands in solidarity with the call for justice in response to the recent deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia. We reject the notions of racism and intolerance. YAAA is committed to creating a more inclusive and just society. We will work to bring to life the words of Thurgood Marshall, “Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it.

Career Spotlight - Jamaal Thomas

What is your current role at Yale University?

I’m the Equity and Access Representative for Yale’s Office of Institutional Equity and Access and a Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Faculty and Staff.

What are your main responsibilities?

Welcome YAAA’s New Co-Chair Reese McLeod

What is your current role at Yale University?

Senior Administrative Assistant

What are your main responsibilities?

YAAA Men’s Health Day Update - Volunteers Needed!

Over the last twelve years, Yale’s African American Affinity Group (YAAA) has celebrated Men’s Health Month by partnering with local medical volunteers to provide free blood pressure screenings and health information to members of the Greater New Haven community at local barbershops and salons.