Multicultural Week 2009, March 9-14, filled with activities, events

Feb. 26, 2009 -- Arkansas State University-Jonesboro will celebrate Multicultural Week 2009 from Monday, March 9-Saturday, March 14, with a plethora of events and activities designed to celebrate diversity without leaving campus.

This week-long celebration of diversity is a great opportunity for students and members of the community to come together to explore their differences and similarities. The week was planned and is sponsored by ASU's Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Student Activities Board, and the International Student Association. Participating organizations include ASU's Spanish and Latino Student Association (S.A.L.S.A.), and the Indian Student Organization. Multicultural Week allows the ASU community, students, faculty, and staff, to experience different cultures, as well as providing different cultures with the opportunity to showcase their uniqueness.

For more information, contact ASU's Leadership Center at (870) 972-2055. ASU's Reng Student Services Center/Student Union is at 101 North Caraway Road, Jonesboro. Following is a list of all planned events for the week of March 9 - 14.

Multicultural Week 2009
Change With Diversity

Monday, March 9:
Cultural Expressions
Student Union Center Court @ 11a.m.-1 p.m.

Diversity Mixer
Student Union Chickasaw Room @ 5:30 p.m.

African/African American Experience Discussion
Mockingbird Room @ 7 p.m.

Multicultural Week begins with a noontime cultural expression event that will showcase various modes of cultural expression, such as henna art, origami, cultural name translations, and more. A Diversity mixer will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Chickasaw room of the Student Union. Monday, March 9, concludes with a discussion of African and African-American culture and myths which will take place in the Mockingbird room of the Student Union at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10
Cultural Night Reception & Show @ 6 p.m. 
Student Union Auditorium
Culture Night festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with light refreshments followed by a fashion and cultural talent show in the Student Union Auditorium.

Wednesday, March 11
Hispanics in Higher Education Seminar
Hispanic Cultural Center (311 W. Huntington) @ 6 p.m.

Indian Movie Night (Film TBA)
Student Union Auditorium @ 7 p.m.

ASU's Spanish and Latino Student Association (S.A.L.S.A.) will facilitate a discussion on Hispanics in higher education at the Hispanic Cultural Center (downtown) at 6 p.m. This event is followed by a International movie night featuring an Indian film (TBA) in the Student Union Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 12
International Food festival
Student Union Centennial Hall @ 6 p.m.

The International Food Festival showcases different cultures from within the community. The International Food Festival offers food and music in celebration of diversity.

Friday, March 13
Asian Movie Night (Film TBA)
Lab Science Room 219 @ 4 p.m.

World Languages Celebration at the ASU Pavilion

Sports Extravaganza
Intramural Field (across from railroad track entering university)@ 7 p.m.

International Movie Night concludes with an Asian film (TBA) at 4 p.m. in the Biology Science Lab West in room 219 at 4 p.m. After that, a sports extravaganza will take place at the intramural field from 7 – 11 p.m. The day also features a World Languages Celebration at the ASU Pavilion.

Saturday, March 14
Holi Indian Celebration  
ASU Pavilion @ 12 p.m.

“Mystery of the Mayan Medallion”  ASU Museum art exhibit @ 1 p.m.

Holi Festival is sponsored by the Indian Student Organization and begins at 12 noon, Saturday, March 14, at the ASU Pavilion. The Holi is the most colorful festival of India, which is celebrated at the start of spring season, during the month of March. The Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. The colorful festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships. On this day, people hug and wish each other 'Happy Holi.' Holi celebration begins with the lighting up of a bonfire on the eve of Holi. Numerous legends and stories associated with Holi celebration makes the festival more exuberant and vivid. People rub 'gulal' and 'abeer' (colored powder) on each others' faces and cheer up. Holi also gives individuals a wonderful chance to send blessings and love,wrapped in a special Holi gift, to dear ones. Click here for pictures from last year's Holi celebration.

Mystery of the Mayan Medallion,” at the ASU Museum, is an art exhibit. The exhibit opens at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14 and runs through June 14th. Enjoy displays representing the historic Mayan civilization, and enjoy refreshments at the exhibition's opening. "Mystery of the Mayan Medallion" is a great family activity. 

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