Loyola Nursing screens "The Loyola Project"

As part of the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing’s (MNSON) Inclusive Excellence Critical Race Series, the acclaimed film, “The Loyola Project,” was screened on campus for an audience of MNSON students, faculty, staff and University friends on Thursday, October 6. 

In 1963, at the height of the civil rights movement, the Loyola Chicago Ramblers broke racial barriers on their way to a national championship. “The Loyola Project” chronicles the team’s advancement in racial inclusion enroute to the NCAA title. Ramblers 2022 co-captain and Los Angeles Clippers player Lucas Williamson narrates the film which weaves together archival footage and modern-day interviews as it examines the players’ legacy. The captivating story is surprisingly relevant to today’s continued struggle for equality. 

The viewing of the film was followed by a panel discussion led by Loyola Nursing faculty and a student which focused on how the Loyola Ramblers team of 1963’s experience provides lessons on how to address racism in nursing. Panelists included Mary Byrn, Ph.D., RN (Associate Professor and Family and Community Health Nursing Department Chair); Kate Myczek, DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-BC (Assistant Professor); and Taylor Pruit, BSN '22, RN. The panel was moderated by Dian Squire, Ph.D. (Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence). 

MNSON Inclusive Excellence events also include a Critical Pedagogy Fireside, Gender Series, and Health Equity Series, which feature webinars, panel discussions, guest speakers, films, and more that introduce concepts of racism and anti-racism and their application to nursing and health settings. Learn more here.