College and Community Connections celebrates the diverse people, cultures, and experiences that have shaped—and continue to shape—the United States. The Center serves as a campus and community hub for learning, reflection, and dialogue on identity, equity, and inclusion across American history.
To educate, inspire, and connect individuals through an honest exploration of America’s complex past and present. We promote understanding, empathy, and civic responsibility by highlighting the stories of historically underrepresented communities and the ongoing pursuit of the American Dream.
A campus and community that recognizes and values the shared and diverse experiences that define us—creating space for every individual to learn, belong, and thrive.
The Center brings history to life through events, exhibits, and collaborations that deepen awareness of the American experience.
Upcoming EventsFREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (unless otherwise noted). |
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Appalachian Exhibit: Voices of the ValleyOn display from April 20 to May 1, 2026, in the lobby area of Our American Journey, this Appalachian audio exhibit celebrates Appalachian Heritage Week with the voices of 80- and 90-year-old Appalachians who tell their stories and show their love for their country and heritage. Bring your phone, earbuds, and friends to hear these life-giving voices! For more information, contact Heidi Arnold, 937-512-5377, heidi.arnold@sinclair.edu Registration is not required. |
Dates: Time: Open Daily, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Location: Sinclair College, Dayton Campus, Bldg. 11-322, Lobby |
30-Minutes Highlighting History: Moving ForwardJoin Michael Carter for a 30-minute tour in Our American Journey: Moving Forward," which explores everyday life in the United States for people of color in the years following WWII, highlighting how families, workers, veterans, and community leaders navigated opportunity and exclusion - laying the groundwork for the modern Civil Rights Movement. This is a 30-minute walking tour in the Our American Journey exhibit. |
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Housing Resource Connection FairImmediate help provided - A one-stop shop for housing assistance! Dozens of housing resources will be provided. FREE lunch, give-aways, and raffle prizes. |
Dates: Time: 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Location: Greater Dayton Rec Center, 2021 W. Third St., Dayton, OH 45417 |
Video & Discussion: Unpack Trevor NoahHYBRID Event - In-person or ZoomTrevor Noah and Jon Stewart: The Myth of Meritocracy - Why Are They Terrified of Equality? In this conversation, Trevor Noah joins Jon Stewart to unpack the idea of meritocracy and why many people fiercely defend it. Noah argues that the “myth of meritocracy” persists because it allows those who benefit from systemic advantages to attribute their success solely to hard work, while ignoring historical and structural inequities tied to race, class, and access. They discuss how equality is often framed as a threat rather than a goal, with fear rooted in the belief that expanding opportunity will mean losing status or power. Ultimately, the conversation challenges viewers to reconsider what fairness truly looks like and to confront how narratives about merit can obscure deeper inequalities. |
Dates: Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: Sinclair College, Dayton Campus, Building 11, Room 324 OR Zoom |
Unhushed: Let's Talk About Sky Full of Elephants, by Cebo CampbellJoin Sinclair English Professor, Furaha Henry Jones, to chat, reflect, and write about the novel. To build common ground for our conversation, read or listen to the novel before the session. During our time together, we will share in small groups and as a large group to explore readers' reflections. We will end with an optional 30-minute freewriting/ creativity time. If you like, bring your journal, drawing pad, notebook, or other tools for creativity. Complimentary copies of the book available for participants. THIS BOOK READ WILL BE REPEATED AS A VIRTUAL EVENT ON 05/21/2026. The UNHUSHED SERIES brings together people who believe creative self-expression can bring positive change to the world. |
Date: May 21, 2026 - Zoom only Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Location: Sinclair Dayton Campus, Building 11, Room 324 or Zoom
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May 2026 Traveling ExhibitOn loan from the Kentucky Derby MuseumBlack Heritage in RacingThis companion piece to the museum’s permanent exhibit consists of 11 freestanding panels that share rich history, from enslaved Africans laying the foundation for American horse racing to initiatives to increase African American participation in the industry today. The Kentucky Derby and horse racing itself would not be what it is today without the Black jockeys and horsemen who dominated the sport in its early days and shaped the future of Thoroughbred racing. Registration not required. |
Dates: Time: Open Daily, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Location: Sinclair College, Dayton Campus, Bldg. 11-322, Lobby |