Cultural Diversity Week at Georgia Southern University

August 21, 2006

The Multicultural Student Center at Georgia Southern University will host Cultural Diversity Week Tuesday, Sept. 5, through Friday, Sept. 8.

‘Events during Cultural Diversity Week will unveil the richness of diversity for some and promote appreciation of it for others,” said Consuela Pender, director of the Multicultural Student Center. ‘It also sends the message that difference can only enhance our efforts as we unify as a community.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, and Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Russell Union Ballroom ‘One Race, One People, One Peace” will be presented. This interactive performance looks at issues surrounding diversity. The presentation is part of the First Year Experience Series and is also sponsored by Institutional Compliance, the Multicultural Student Center and the President’s Office. The presentation is free and all orientation classes are strongly encouraged to attend.

On Wednesday, Sept. 6, at noon the Baha’is of Bulloch County will present ‘Igniting Unity in the Community” in Russell Union Room 2044. Members of the Baha’i faith will discuss their practical strategies and spiritual principles used to promote cultural unity in diversity in every aspect of life.

On Thursday, Sept. 7, at noon in Russell Union Room 2044, a Cultural Book Club Discussion will be led by Nancy Malcom, associate professor of sociology. The book ‘Sister Outsider: Essay and Speeches” by Audre Lorde will be discussed. The book is a collection of Lorde’s work from the 70s and 80s. Lorde, who was one of the foremost writers on the issues of sexism, homophobia and race, wrote from her perspective as a woman, an African American, a lesbian, a feminist, a poet, a mother, a teacher and a cultural activist. Free pizza will be provided.

At 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 7, the interactive audio conference ‘Facing Transgender: Inclusion, Advocacy and Empowerment” will be held in the Nursing and Chemistry Building, Room 1002. This audio conference will increase your awareness of the existence of the transgender variant populations, proactively identify campus actions steps, and learn to be an advocate for transgender needs. To reserve a seat, contact the Multicultural Student Center at 912-681-5409.

The fourth annual Unity Fest will be held Thursday, Sept. 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Recreation Activity Center (RAC) Pavilion. The event will include free food, entertainment, music, giveaways and showcases from student organizations in celebration of diversity as a campus and as a community. The Unity Fest will be rescheduled in the event of rain.

To conclude the week, an International Conversation Hour will be held on Friday, Sept. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Russell Union Room 2080. Free refreshments will be provided as international issues are discussed.

For more information, contact the Multicultural Student Center at 912-681-5409.