Knox College's annual Day of Dialogue was held on Wednesday, February 12, with a range of events designed to provide a time and space for the campus community to engage in conversations about current events, inclusion, and diversity on campus.

Vernon Wall, author, lecturer, consultant, and president and founder of One Better World, LLC, delivered the keynote address in Kresge Recital Hall. Wall spoke about his passion for social justice, reflecting on his upbringing and the influences of his parents. He shared how growing up in a household filled with educators and a rotating door of guests grounded his beliefs. 

During his keynote, Wall asked attendees to reflect on why they believe everyone should be valued and respected. Participants were encouraged to pair up and discuss this idea with someone they had never met. When they reconvened, Wall asked them to consider what makes them unique, what they would want to share, and what might make them hesitate. He stressed the importance of ensuring that people feel comfortable in their uniqueness.

“Our uniqueness makes us special. It brings so many gifts into this community,” he added.

Wall encouraged the audience to reflect on Knox’s mission statement and consider how they are living up to it. He urged students to find their place in the community and use their voices to contribute to meaningful discussions. 

“The more we tell our stories and the more we hear each other, the more we understand the layers that create us,” Wall said. “We need to do that with curiosity and care.”

Intercultural Life Peer Educator Meridian Lattig '25 helped create the small group questions and facilitated several discussions throughout the day. He felt that guided discussions allowed students to engage with seemingly intimidating topics. For Lattig, a huge part of Day of Dialogue is guiding students in being vulnerable in front of strangers and finding a way to make everyone’s voice matter.

For many students, Lattig believes Day of Dialogue helps them see Knox as a more open-minded and thoughtful campus.

“Day of Dialogue is crucial for reminding us that yes, Knox is a place where ideas can be challenged in a healthy, productive way and that we as students should be using our voice wherever we can,” Lattig said. 

Knox Assistant Director of Intercultural Life Jade Shelby was thrilled to see a large turnout at both the keynote and subsequent sessions. She emphasized that engaging in diverse dialogue is a crucial part of Knox’s mission, adding that if the College is not actively creating spaces for these discussions, it’s not fulfilling its role. 

Moving forward, she hopes to continue embracing the important tradition of Day of Dialogue.

“This day creates opportunities for different people to come together with the intent to learn, grow, and build community beyond our biases and prejudices,” Shelby said. “It's all interwoven in the web that is social justice and being a good human being.”