In this unique and engaging six-part training program, participants will watch a filmed live-presentation of an autobiographical one-man play, Incognito, written and performed by Michael Fosberg. Over the course of the play, Michael will portray over a dozen different characters as he retells the true story of his search for his biological father. The play, which unfolds as a mystery, is full of humor, pathos and thought-provoking moments for viewers to reflect on. Following each of the five play segments, Michael will unpack a variety of topics exposed by the play including: race, identity, unconscious bias, stereotypes and more. In the sixth and final lesson, Michael will cover additional ground and leave participants with a set of tools and prompts to help foster dialogue outside the platform. This story-based, personal method to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training allows participants more freedom to open up safely in a non-confrontational environment. Using the play as the catalyst along with supporting video, readings and other related materials, students will be asked to reflect on his story and their own.
Micheal Fosberg
National Diversity & Inclusion Speaker / Trainer / Author / Performer / Educator
Chicago native Michael Fosberg has spoken at nearly a thousand high schools, colleges, government agencies, corporations, law firms and not-for-profits since 2005, utilizing his award-winning autobiographical story, told in the form of a one-man play, as an entry point for meaningful dialogues on race and identity. He has collaborated with a number of professional diversity practitioners on programs to foster deeper dialogue in corporate settings and at educational institutions. His work with groups such as; The Boeing Company, United Way Worldwide, Holland & Hart LLP, PNC Financial Services, Proctor & Gamble, The U.S. Dept. of the Treasury, and The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency is reshaping the way organizations talk about race, identity and diversity. Michael has been a frequent guest in the media speaking on these issues, and his latest book, Nobody Wants to Talk About It; Race, Identity and the Difficulties in Forging Meaningful Conversations offers readers seven important tools to engage in authentic dialogue. In 2011 he published his much-lauded memoir; Incognito: An American Odyssey of Race and Self-Discovery. While working as an actor/director in Chicago he has collaborated with John Malkovich, Gary Sinse, Joan Allen, Laurie Metcaff, Gary Cole, William L. Peterson, Tom Waits, and the late John Mahoney.
In order to get the most value from this course, learners are expected to participate in and contribute to each week’s activities and homework assignments, as instructed in the modules.
This course will start: TBD
This course will take approximately 18-24 hours, over the course of 6 weeks.
Live Sessions: TBD
In order to obtain a Certificate of Completion, learners must obtain these 3 badges:
- Engage with Instructor Badge
- Requirements are based on live session attendance.
- Learner must attend 5 out of 6 live sessions to achieve this badge.
- Engage with Peers Badge
- Participate in 6 of the 6 Discussion Threads by contributing:
- One Major Post
- Creating and posting your own thread in that Module’s Discussion Forum
- One Minor Post
- One reply to a classmates’ thread
- Engage with Content Badge
- Complete 6 (1 per module) Knowledge Check Assessments based on content.
- Submit 6 reflection journal responses (one each week)
