Multicultural Center Hours
The MC Connection A-State Multicultural Center Newsletter
Mon—Thur
February 2014
8:00 a.m.—9:00 p.m.
Volume 2, Issue 5
Friday 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
“Not Just a Space, but a Place for All!” Letters to Soldiers for 2014 MLK Day of
Civil Rights in America: 2014
Service
Black History Month
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a vital Celebration also included the “We figure of the Civil Rights Movement, Live the Dream” Youth Explosion at encouraged everyone to participate City Youth Ministries on Saturday, in creating the “Beloved January 18th. The Craighead Community”. The A-State MLK Day County Community parade was on of Service was held on Monday, Monday, January 19th with various January 19th at the A-State and community Parker Park organizations Community Center. participating in the The service project march. Immediately was a collaboration following the march was between the North a program featuring Dr. Jonesboro Curtis Speed. The MLK Neighborhood Celebration concluded Volunteers writing letters at MLK Day Initiative, Volunteer with the A-State of Service. ASU, and the ACandlelight Vigil on State Multicultural Thursday, January Center. This year, volunteers wrote 23rd. ”It’s great to see students, letters to soldiers thanking them for staff, and faculty come together their service to our country and and celebrate freedom and what offering words of encouragement. Dr. King stood for,” stated Kayla “We had a great time at this year's Hardy, president of Hispanic MLK Day of Service project! Our Outreach & Latino Appreciation. students enjoyed writing letters to Representatives from various Athe American troops serving State organizations participated by overseas, and it was awesome to lighting candles in memory of see them interacting with each individuals who other and other community contributed to the members,” said Katey Provence of civil rights Volunteer ASU. Volunteers had the movement. opportunity to drop in during the HOLA member Jennifer afternoon to write letters. A-State Ulloa and Brother to students and community members Brother member Lakieven all contributed to the project. A total Braison at the MLK Candlelight Vigil. of 175 letters were written.
2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. According to www.civilrights50.net, the act, which prohibits the discrimination of all Famous photo from the Little kinds based on race, color, Rock Nine religion, or national origin, is the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction. The 2014 National Black History Month theme, Civil Rights in America, is the theme for the A-State Black History Month celebration. The month-long celebration is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans.
The 2014 Martin Luther King, Jr.
Black Student Association at MLK Community Parade.
Photos courtesy of A-State yearbook
“It is vital that we recognize the importance of the Civil Rights Act because it benefits us all. Throughout our Black History Month celebration, we aspire to educate others about this important piece of legislation that is just as important now as it was 50 years ago” says Niya Blair, director of the A-State Multicultural Center. The 2014 Black History Month celebration includes a diverse array of programs and
Visit www.astate.edu/multiculturalcenter for a list of Black History Month events.
Source: www.civilrights50.net
In this issue:
An Evening of Reflection
2
MC Students: Leading out Loud!
2
Navigating Life as a NonTraditional Student
2
An Evening of Reflection
Non-Trad Corner
J
oin the Multicultural Center for the Tribute to Black History Month event on Tuesday, February 11th at 6pm featuring Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine. The event will be held in Centennial Hall of the Carl R. Reng Student Union. On September 25, 1957, nine African American students were escorted by the Arkansas National Guard into Central High School of Little Rock, AR. That day the Little Rock Nine became a part of history. "My first day inside Central High was very smooth, smoother than I expected. Outside was the main cause. If it wasn’t for the people outside, we would have finished the day. But I don’t intend to quit. We’ll try again. It’s still my school, and I’m entitled to it." (Ernest Green, September 24, 1959, in a New York Post article).
Navigating Life as a Non-Traditional Student By Candence Williams
Ernest Green, Little Rock Nine
Ernest Green was the first African American to graduate from Central High School. He previously served as the assistant secretary of labor for employment and training during the Carter Administration and was appointed by President Clinton to serve as the chairman of the African Development Foundation. Mr. Green will be speaking about his Little Rock experience with civil rights then and now and how it has shaped his life and career. The Tribute to Black History Month program is sponsored by the A-State Multicultural Center, Office of Diversity Initiatives, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, and College of Business.
Photos courtesy: www.littlerock9.com and www.lrsd.org
Black History Month Events: Tribute to Black History Month Featuring Ernest Green Tuesday, February 11th 6:00 p.m.
Juggling families, jobs, and school, non-traditional students face unique challenges and stressors throughout their college careers. According to the Apollo Research Institute, the top three (all over 50% of non-traditional students) most frequently experienced psychosocial issues of adult college students are: 1)
Anxiety/stress over college-related expenses
2)
Anxiety about not spending time with friends/ loved ones
3)
Worrying about intellectual ability to complete coursework.
There are best practices to help navigate college life as a non-traditional student. Time management is an important component. One way to effectively manage time is to plan out each week by prioritizing and putting time limits on activities. Instead of spending four hours working on a paper for one class, spend one hour creating an outline and gathering sources. After that hour, move to another task. Remember to set aside time to spend with family. Set a specific time frame for family time and communicate that with everyone. Doing this can help minimize interruptions during school work time. Non-traditional students often worry about not being able to complete coursework due to a lapse (Continued on page 3)
Carl R. Reng Student Union—Centennial Hall
Cultural Conversations: Black Men in America Open forum discussion about successes and obstacles facing black men in America Wednesday, February 12th 12:00 p.m. Carl R. Reng Student Union—Multicultural Center
Exploring the Civil Rights Act: Then and Now Thursday, February 20th 12:00 p.m. Carl R. Reng Student Union—Multicultural Center
Black History Month events and programs are open to the public. For a complete list of events visit our website at www.astate.edu/ multiculturalcenter.
MC Students: Leading out Loud! Meet Jaronica! Jaronica Sneed is a Multicultural Center Ambassador. She is a sophomore Nursing major from Pine Bluff, AR. Jaronica is a 2014 Orientation Leader and was recently chosen to attend the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference (SBSLC). “I am extremely excited about serving as a 2014 Orientation Leader. It is an amazing way to get involved on campus” says Jaronica. When asked about her experience at SBSLC she said “I am delighted that I was able to be around so many young people that look like me. I would encourage anyone to go to this conference.” The Multicultural Center is excited to see our students continue to grow and develop into bright and successful leaders!
(Continued from page 2)
Non-Trad Grab & Go
in time outside of the classroom or the perceived lack of preparation for college-level coursework. There are numerous resources available to all students to ensure success inside the classroom. These range from free tutoring services, to writing labs. Utilizing support systems established on campuses will not only help students successfully navigate college life, but ensure that all students are prepared to excel in their respective careers. Below are some resource centers at A-State that are available to all students.
begins Monday, February 10th. Stop by the Multicultural Center (3rd floor of the student union) between 8:30 am—11:30 am for coffee and pastries!
Learning Support Services Student Support Services Non-Traditional Student Services
For a complete list of upcoming Non-Traditional Student Events visit the Non-Traditional Student Services website at www.astate.edu/nontrad.
Source: Apollo Research Institute
MC Affiliated Student Organizations
Black Student Association
Brother 2 Brother
Circle of Trust
Gay Straight Alliance
Hispanic Outreach & Latino Appreciation
Minorities in Healthcare Professions
Multicultural Center Ambassadors
National Pan-Hellenic Council
Non-Traditional Student Organization
Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter
Women’s History Month Conference Thursday, March 13th
Registration opens February 20th
For all upcoming events hosted by the Multicultural Center go to www.astate.edu/multiculturalcenter
Reserve the MC for your next event!
Next Newsletter Issue: March 2014
Multicultural Center Staff
CONTACT US Carl R. Reng Student Union 3rd Floor Suite 3003 870-680-4052 astatemc@astate.edu Visit our website
Niya Blair
Candence Williams
James Hines
Director
Program Coordinator
Graduate Assistant