Arkansas State University Multicultural Center Newsletter
Volume 2 Issue 2 October 2013
“Not just a Space, but a Place for ALL!”
Students “T.U.R.N. U.P.” for Minority Welcome Week
T
he Multicultural Center’s Minority Welcome Week was held September 9th—September13th. The theme, Turn Up: Taking Ultimate Responsibility Now to Uncover My Potential, was befitting as students were pumped up about beginning a new school year. The week kicked off with cookies, music, and punch on Monday, followed by NPHC 101 that evening. On Tuesday was the Freshmen Dinner. LaTasha Moore, a senior, delivered a self-written poem entitle “A New You”, dedicated to Freshmen in attendance. Other guests were ASU faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders. Fall Explosion was held on Wednesday and featured Amir Windom, Atlantic/Sony Pictures Record Executive. Earlier that day, Amir visited with classes in the College of Media and Communication and College of Business where he
discussed his career path and keys to success. Fall Explosion also included a minority student organization fair where students learned about opportunities for campus involvement. Minority Week concluded Friday with Best Steppers where Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. won the title of Best Steppers on the Yard and a party was hosted by NPHC.
SGA Cultural Diversity Director Jonathan Williams at Freshmen Dinner
Graduate Assistant James Hines at Minority Welcome Week kickoff
Immigration Forum
T
he Hispanic Month Celebration at ASU continues Wednesday, October 2nd with an Immigration Forum. The forum will feature a panel discussion on topics such as The DREAM Act, Immigration Reform, Immigration in Arkansas, and why people view immigration negatively. Panelists are Dr. Laquita Saunders, Assistant Professor of History, Gina Gomez, executive director of Jonesboro Hispanic Community Services, Inc., Sister Elaine of the Holy Angels Convent, Mireya Reith, director the Arkansas United Community Coalition, and Juan Robles, an ASU student and child of immigrants. Moderating the forum is Russell Carey, Program Associate for the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.
The Immigration Forum is at 5:30 p.m. in the Carl R. Reng Student Union Auditorium. Immediately following is a reception in the Multicultural Center located on the 3rd floor of the student union suite 3003. The Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration concludes on Tuesday, October 8th with Spanish Movie Night: La Historia Official at 6:30 p.m. in the Wilson Hall Auditorium Room 211.
HOLA Treasurer Natalie Lyons at the Minority Organization Fair
Amir Windom with College of Business students
October is LGBT History Month
T
he LGBT History Month Celebration includes a series of speakers and programs that celebrate and discuss topics concerning the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community. For a complete list of ASU events during the LGBT history month celebration, visit the Multicultural Center’s website at www.astate.edu/multiculturalcenter. “I joined Gay Straight Alliance last year and I like that there is an organization for everybody. I’m excited about the events planned for LGBT month.” -Patience Yuille, Sophomore
“I think it’s good to celebrate LGBT month because it shows how diverse our campus is.” -Justin Bryles, Freshman 1
Student Organization Spotlight: HOLA HOLA, Hispanic Outreach and Latino Appreciation, is a student organization whose goal is to enhance and support the college experience for the Hispanic student population. HOLA fosters a sense of community among everyone that has an interest in giving support to Latin culture and providing a foundation that will ensure academic, social, and personal success at ASU. For more information about HOLA email kayla.hardy@smail.astate.edu.
Meet the Executive Board!
Kayla Hardy President Senior Art Education Muskego, Wisconsin
Yaoska "Angy" Abaunza Vice President Senior Psychology Los Angeles, Califor-
Natalie Lyons Treasurer
Bianca Garcia Secretary
Miguel Castillo Membership Chair
Jennifer Ulloa Public Relations
Senior Early Childhood Education Special Education Cabot, AR
Junior History Monette, AR
Sophomore Graphic Design Hot Springs, AR
Junior English/International Studies Jonesboro, AR
Not pictured: Michelle Duran, Service Chair
Pictures from the Non Trad Meet, Greet and Scoop!
Upcoming Non-Trad Events Family Paint Night Friday, October 18th 6:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m. Carl R. Reng Student Union—Spring River Room
Trick or Treat with the Greeks Thursday, October 31, 2013 4:00 p.m.—6:30.p.m. ASU Sorority Row
Grab N Go Mondays Every Monday 8:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Carl R. Reng Student Union—Multicultural Center
Non Trad Appreciation Week is November 4th—9th! Are you a Non-Trad? Find out at: www.astate.edu/nontrad Get information on future events and other resources
Check it Out! Francisco Jiménez’s book “Reaching Out” allows readers to follow the journey of a MexicanAmerican young man that is fighting to continue his education. Francisco aspires to escape his migrant community filled with dilapidated army barracks, and with no indoor plumbing or drinkable water. Determined to live better than his current home in Santa Maria, California, Jiménez left behind his family struggling to pay for food and rent. A powerful portion of the book includes his desperate and broken father. Despite holding memories of years of poverty and prejudice, he enters school and a world entirely different from his own. In the book, Jiménez describes typing other students’ papers at the University of Santa Clara in exchange for clothing. Throughout the text, Francisco vividly recalls memories and experiences of studying hard and being met with unexpected kindness. Jiménez also fills the book with exciting insight about the Mexican-American culture and stereotypes. He uses memories of his struggle as motivation for him to continue toward achieving his dreams and goals. Learning about different cultures can have a powerful impact on someone’s way of thinking. Anyone who takes the time to learn about the Francisco Jiménez journey will not be disappointed. Check this book out in the Multicultural Center! Carl R. Reng Student Union 3rd Floor, Room 3003
Review by: James Hines
2
Upcoming Multicultural Center Events
Immigration Forum Carl R. Reng Student Union, Auditorium Wednesday, October 2nd—5:00 p.m.
LGBT Lecture: What does it really mean? Discussion on the phrase “That’s so Gay” Carl R. Reng Student Union, Multicultural Center Monday, October 28th—12:00 p.m.
Safe Zone Training Carl R. Reng Student Union, Multicultural Center Wednesday, October 16th—12:00 p.m.
Finding Your Voice with Charles Holt Carl R. Reng Student Union, Auditorium Thursday, October 17th—7:00 p.m.
LGBT Lecture: Proposition 8 Carl R. Reng Student Union, Multicultural Center Wednesday, October 23rd—12:00 p.m.
For information about upcoming events please call the Multicultural Center at 870-680-4052
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
Join Today! Next Newsletter Issue: November 2013
Multicultural Center Hours
CONTACT US
Monday—Thursday 8:00 a.m.—9:00 p.m.
Carl R. Reng Student Union 3rd Floor Suite 3003
Friday 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Niya Blair Director Multicultural Center
Candence Williams Program Coordinator Multicultural Center
James Hines Graduate Assistant Multicultural Center
870-680-4052 astatemc@astate.edu Visit our website
Book your next event in the MC! 3