Cultural awareness month headed our way
October is Cultural Awareness Month and the NDSU Multicultural Student Services Office has plenty to offer.
Cultural Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate differences across cultures.
“ The Multicultural Student Services Department strives to assist the campus community in developing awareness,” Malika Carter, Assistant Director of Multicultural Student Services, said. “And an understanding of various ways of life by exposing the campus to programming that is conducive to this goal.”
Vanessa Waserman, graduate assistant for Multicultural Student Services, said those who participate in the events planned will gain a better understanding, appreciation and awareness of the global community.
An example of an event that will broaden cultural perspectives of attendees is Faces of America, Waserman said.
This stage play consists of several one-person presentations that challenge stereotypes of race, ethnicity, gender, ability and sexual orientation still prevalent in today’s society.
This event will take place at 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, in the Memorial Union Prairie Rose Room.
“ We have worked hard to create a fun and educational line-up of events that we hope students, faculty and staff will want to attend,” Waserman said.
Carter and Waserman look forward to celebrating cultural awareness with the entire community.
All events are free and open to the public and listed below are more scheduled events for Cultural Awareness Month.
Wednesday, Oct. 4:
A screening of a short film about poet, musician and actress Maya Angelou’s return to her hometown of Stamps, Ark., after 30 years, is scheduled for noon in the Memorial Union Prairie Rose Room.
Thursday,Oct.5:
The Lively Arts Series presents Ballet Folklorico Mexico at 7 p.m. in Festival Concert Hall. Tickets are $5 for the public and free with NDSU ID. Call 231-9442 for tickets.
Thursday, cont.:
A Multicultural Student Organization social is scheduled for 8 p.m. in the Memorial Union Prairie Rose Room.
The campus community is invited to attend, meet members and learn more about various multicultural student organizations on campus. Refreshments will be served.
Friday, Oct. 6:
“ Why Native American Soldiers Are Fighting in Iraq” is planned for 11:30 a.m. in the Memorial Union Rose Room.
Michael J. Yellow Bird, associate professor at the University of Kansas Center for Indigenous Nations Studies, will present his thoughts on the subject.
Wednesday, Oct. 11:
A showing of the film “Muslims” is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Prairie Rose Room.
The film takes an in-depth look at what it means to be a Muslim in the 21st century.
Filmed in Egypt, Malaysia, Iran, Turkey, Nigeria and the United States, “Muslims” explores the influence of culture and politics on religion, and it provides a deeper understanding of the political forces at work among Muslims around the world.
Wednesday, Oct. 18:
A “ Sister’s Circle” open forum is set for 2 p.m. in Ceres Hall room 201.
Geared toward addressing issues of importance to women of color, the discussion will be facilitated by Jaclynn Davis Wallette, director of Multicultural Student Services, and Malika Carter. Everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information, on Cultural Awareness Month events visit www.ndsu.edu/multicultural.