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Pursuing Excellence through Diverse All-Inclusive Programming October 18-22, 2010

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Page 1: Pursuing Excellence through Diverse All-Inclusive Programmingdiversity.cofc.edu/diversity-programs/2010 Diversity Week.pdf · “Mississippi Masala” Mississippi Masala is a tale

Pursuing Excellence through Diverse All-Inclusive Programming

October 18-22, 2010

Page 2: Pursuing Excellence through Diverse All-Inclusive Programmingdiversity.cofc.edu/diversity-programs/2010 Diversity Week.pdf · “Mississippi Masala” Mississippi Masala is a tale

OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL DIVERSITY

175 Calhoun Street,

Robert Scott Small Bldg. 2nd Floor,

Charleston, SC

PHONE: 843.953.5079

FAX: 843.953.7713

E-MAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: diversity.cofc.edu

Dr. John O. Bello-Ogunu, Sr., Associate Vice

President & Chief Diversity Officer

Buen Aché is a small Afro-Latino dance company based in Charleston, South Carolina. The company represents the African contribution to Latino culture, music, and dance. Drawing on folkloric dances of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Caribbean nations, Buen Aché explores elements of African artistic expression in the New World.

Buen Aché’s dance goes beyond the purely cultural and delves into the socially conscious world when it confronts racism in one of its pieces called "La Jabá". In another of Buen Aché’s performances, "Libéranos", a slave rebellion is depicted through the "Palo" style of dance from Cuba. The Afro-Peruvian "Negroide" dance, "Azucar de Caña", examines the lives of the Afro-Peruvian workers who cultivate sugar cane. These choreodrama pieces are combined with more traditional dances to create a rich body of work that not only entertains and enlightens, but also tells a story of culture and history through dance. By preserving these traditional dances, we keep the past in the present, while creating a fusion of choreography with modern-day dance styles.

The group performs at various types of events for disparate audiences seeking to embrace and learn about other cultures. Performances usually include the following genres of dance:

Bachata Bomba Cha Cha Merengue Modern Negroide Palo Rumba Salsa Timba West African West Indian Zouk

Above all, Buen Aché seeks to promote racial unity, and its members are from African, Ameri-can, Asian, European, Latino and West Indian backgrounds

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For more than 20 years, Natalie Daise has developed and facilitated inter-active learning experiences for educators, students, and audiences in schools, universities, conferences, and other venues, both nationally and regionally. She also writes and produces books, articles, and recordings for families and for educational uses. Best known as "Ms. Natalie" on Nick Jr.'s award-winning television pro-gram, Gullah Gullah Island, she currently serves as Early Childhood Liai-son for Environments, Inc. where she continues to entertain, educate, and advocate for children and the people who care for them. For more information about Natalie Daise see: www.GullahMama.com www.Gullahgullah.com www.Environments.com

Gullah Gullah

Island’s Natalie Daise

Office of Institutional Diversity

At the College of Charleston, Diversity is more than just “human differences.” Diversity is our strength and the bond that unites us together as a campus community. Thus, the primary mission of the Office of Institutional Diversity is to support the College of Charleston’s pursuit of INCLUSIVE INSTITUTIONAL EXCEL-LENCE. The Office is committed to assisting the College in creat-ing and sustaining a vibrant learning, working, and living multicul-tural campus community, where mutual respect for our unique human and cultural differences is fostered. With the support of, and in collaboration with the College communities, the Office of Institutional Diversity will foster healthy intercultural/multicultural relationships among and between members of the College of Charleston communities through comprehensive, all-inclusive edu-cational, cultural, social, and outreach programs.

Mission Statement

The Office of Institutional Diversity envisions The College of Charleston as a globally diverse campus community, where the cen-trality of DIVERSITY to inclusive institutional excellence is recog-nized, embraced, and fostered throughout the life of the College. The envisioned campus will be a welcoming, supportive, and nur-turing community, where the advancement of Access, Equity, Equality, Inclusion and Social Justice for all, is the collective respon-sibility of its administration, faculty, staff, and students. The Office of Institutional Diversity will become a positive catalyst for reaching these goals at the College of Charleston.

Vision Statement

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A Message from Dr. John Bello-Ogunu, AVP

Dear Fellow Members of the CofC Family, Greetings! On behalf of the staff of the Office of Institutional Di-versity, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to The College of Charleston’s first annual “Diversity At CofC Week.” The theme for this year’s Program is “Building a More Perfect and Inclusive Campus Community.” Some of the highlights of the Week include such excit-ing diversity events as multicultural/international food festival; multicultural music and dance performed by professional groups from Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina; multicultural fashion show, and story-telling by Ms. Natalie Daise of the na-

tionally renowned TV Show, Gullah Gullah Island! The ultimate goals of the “Week” is to promote and celebrate the beauty and richness of local, regional, and global diversity; en-hance cross-cultural /intercultural relations; facilitate a climate of tolerance, acceptance, ap-preciation, and mutual respect for our human differences; and to foster a sense of community among all members of the CofC Family. This historic event would not have been possible without the hard work and support of so many people throughout the College and beyond. I am especially grateful to the individ-ual employees, departments, student organizations, and members of the external Charleston community, whose strong contributions made this special Program possible. It was Margaret Mead who once said “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing ever has.” Certainly, without the extra-ordinary hard work by the very small but “mighty” staff of the Office of Institutional Diversity (OID), this inaugural “Diversity At CofC Week” would not have been possible. Therefore, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my staff for their immeasurable contributions to the successful devel-opment, planning, and implementation of this groundbreaking event. Without them, this event would have been just a mere dream. As we begin, this week-long celebration of global diversity throughout the corners of our cam-pus, please remember that YOU are “Diversity” and “Diversity” is YOU and that together, we can help make the world a better place for us and for the generations to come, beginning with our campus community! Thank you! Dr. John O. Bello-Ogunu, Sr.

Wednesday October 21, 2010 2:00pm

Location: Stern Center Rm 206

Sponsored by: OID

Tuesday, October 20, 2010 11 am

Location: Stern Center Rm 206

Sponsored by: OID

“DIVERSITY @ CofC Week” SERIES

“The Wedding Banquet” A gay New Yorker stages a marriage of convenience with a young woman to satisfy his traditional Taiwanese family, but the wedding becomes a major inconvenience when his parents fly in for the ceremony. Gao Wai Tung has never shared the truth about his sexuality with his family, and hopes to disguise his long-term relationship with his lover Simon by marrying Wei-Wei, a young artist whose only it for the green card. But Wai Tung's parents refuse to let him off the hook easily, showing up to plan a massive wedding banquet. Indeed, much of the film's comedy springs from the contrast between the sheer lavishness of the parents' plans and the sham nature of the wedding.

“Remember the Titans” Based on the true story of the explosive events that took place in Alexandria, Virginia in 1971 when African-American football coach Herman Boone was hired to guide an integrated but racially polarized high school team--the T.C. Williams Titans. Angry, stubborn and a rigid taskmaster, Boone faces a cool reception from the team's players as well as an awkward relationship with assistant coach Bill Yoast, As the two men learn to overcome their ignorance and bigotry and realize that they have much in common--integrity, honor, and a strong work ethic--they work together to transform a group of angry, unfocused players into a dynamic winning team of responsible young men. In the process, they also unite a divided community and ensure that Virginia will always "Remember the Titans."

“Mississippi Masala” Mississippi Masala is a tale of how prejudice makes victims and instigators of us all. In 1972, Indian Jay, a resident of Uganda, is forced by the bigoted Amin regime to take his family and flee the country. He vows to hate and distrust all blacks--at least until he is able to reclaim the real estate stolen from him by the Ugandan government. Flash-forward to 1990: Jay and his family have settled in Mississippi. Seth's daughter Mina makes the acquaintance of African-American Demetrius, the prosperous manager of a carpet-cleaning business. At first attracted to Mina because he is fascinated by her African background, Demetrius slowly falls in love with her. The situation causes Jay to exercise the same racial prejudice by which he was himself victimized. Ironically, Demetrius behaves just as foolishly, blaming Jay's ethnic chauvinism for a drop in his business. Both Jay and Demetrius must learn to bury their pasts and their prejudices to go on with their lives.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 11 pm

Location: Stern Center Ballroom

Sponsored by : OID

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Daily, October 18-22, 2010 Location: NPHC House

Sponsored by: Office of Greek Life

“DIVERSITY @ CofC Week” SERIES

“My America: Or Honk if you love Buddha” Though billed as a road movie, My America, is an attempt to informally touch upon issues of nativity and immigration (native-born Tajima-Peña and new Hmong immigrants), class and consciousness (Chinese American debutantes, young Korean American rappers), activists and art (civil rights and Black power activists Yuri and Bill Kochiyama, and the actor Victor Wong) as well as to stylistically fuse elements of the Beat Generation, the Civil Rights Movement, and Asian American filmmaking through music and documentary technique. Interestingly, though Tajima-Peña is the ostensible narrative thread through the physical journey from Chicago to New Orleans, from New York City to Duluth, from Seattle to Los Angeles, she utilizes a Chinese American male -- the seventy-year-old actor Victor Wong, born and raised in San Francisco Chinatown, as her "guru/trickster/historian." Why? -- because the often irreverent Wong fits the bill. His life and beliefs span the pre-World War II generation, the beat generation of Jack Kerouac and his own interracial marriages, and his acting and photojournalism career. He is unlike his Chinatown establishment father, yet, ironically, his own grandchildren resemble that same strict father.

“Arranged” Two young women — one an Orthodox Jew, the other Muslim — meet and become friends as first-year teachers at a public school in Brooklyn. Over the course of the year they learn they share much in common, not least of which is that they are both going through arranged marriages.

Thursday , October 21, 2010 7pm

Location: Stern Center Ballroom

Sponsored by : Office of Student

Life

“ A Life Apart: Hasidsim In America” The documentary "A Life Apart: Hasidism in America" begins and ends with the complex spectacle of a big, ritualized wedding within the world of Hasidic Jews. It's a tribute to the film's illuminating powers that this ceremony is liable to seem quite different by the end of 96 minutes than it does at first. "Hasidim are a minority within a minority. They arouse controversy among other Jews." (Narration is read variously by Leonard Nimoy and Sarah Jessica Parker.) "Who are they? Why have they stubbornly refused to join America's mainstream?" Such questions take on added force with the film's first view of Hasidim as strange and stubborn outsiders. But this documentary, with its essentially rosy emphasis on loving families and spiritual joy, gradually develops a revealing overview.

Daily, October 18-20, 2010, 7pm

Location: Education Center

The Dufford Estate

“Diversity at CofC Week” is made possible in part by a grant from the C.A. Dufford Estate for the promotion of Diversity at the College of Charleston. The Estate of C.A. Dufford, Jr. and his surviving siblings strongly believe that there is a need to assist South Carolinians in understanding and ap-preciating persons of different, racial, ethnic, language, religious, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds. In March 2007, the Estate provided the College of Charleston with a sig-nificant diversity fund to promote diversity at the College and beyond. Specifically, the primary purpose of the fund is to provide citizens of South Carolina and The College of Charleston with education, activities, and services that: ● Promote a critical awareness and understanding of local, regional, and global diversity issues; ● Enhance intra-and intercultural communication and relations; ● Advocate a climate of inclusion, acceptance, and appreciation; ● Foster a sense of community; and ● Affirm the important role diversity has in all facets of life—work, at school, in the community, and in our personal relationships.” The College of Charleston and its Office of Institutional Diversity are very grateful to the Estate of C.A. Dufford, Jr. for its continued strong com-mitment to improving human relations in South Carolina and beyond. We are also grateful for the Estate’s immeasurable contributions to the improvement of intra- and intercultural relations through diversity educa-tion, activities, and services at the College of Charleston. The College is strongly committed to an all-inclusive diversity and supports the Estate of C.A. Dufford, Jr.’s diversity goals. The office of Institutional Diversity be-lieves that the College’s First Annual “Diversity-At-CofC Week” will help to advance those goals.

Dr. John O. Bello-Ogunu, Sr. Associate Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer

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Daily, October 18-22, 2010

Location: 2nd Floor of Stern Center

Sponsored by: Office of Student Life

Monday, October 18, 2010 4:30 pm

Location: Stern Center Gardens

Sean’s Last Wish Exhibit The display chronicles the life and death of Sean Kennedy of Greenville, SC who was killed as a result of a hate crime. Sean’s Last Wish Foundation wants to raise awareness to the fact that in the State of South Carolina, law enforcement officials do not have the tools in which to investigate crimes of violence and intimidation that are motivated by bias against actual or perceived race, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity of the victim. Additional information may be found at www.seanslastwish.org

DAILY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Opening Program and Reception The opening program and reception marks the start of “Diversity at CofC Week.” Join the Office of Institutional Diversity, President and Special Guests in declaring the Inaugural “Diversity at CofC Week.” The goal of the Opening Reception is to motivate and encourage the CofC campus and community to participate in events that are of interest and celebrate the richness of domestic and global diversity at CofC. The program will culminate with a celebration of ethnic food and pulsating music in the Stern Center gardens from Tropic Culture.

"Seeing Religious, Racial and Ethnic Diversity in American Films" The Department of Religious Studies invite you to attend a film series as three faculty members present various films that feature American religious and cultural diversity. Films will centers on the friendship between an Orthodox Jewish woman and a Muslim woman who meet as first-year teachers at a public school in Brooklyn, experiences of Asian Americans, who are no longer an "invisible minority" in 1990s America and

Daily, October 18-20, 2010, 7pm

Location: Education Center

Friday, October 22, 2010 5:00 pm

Location: Stern Center Gardens

Rain Location: Physician’s Auditorium

DAILY EVENTS

Global Diversity Fashion Show While one might think it's all about celebrities, socialites, and superstar models, the basic purpose of fashion shows are to expose others to up and coming fashion trends. The Office of Institutional Diversity invites you to be exposed to multicultural fashion show to showcase diversity in fashion. You are invited to view fashions from the DIVERISTY RUNWAY that displays clothing from countries other than your own. This will help you learn about cultures from around the world. This multicultural fashion show may also influence what you choose to wear on a regular basis. Host for the evening is Tessa Spencer of the Breakfast Club Morning Show on Z-93 Jamz.

“Diversity @ CofC Week” Finale Join all participants of the Inaugural Diversity @ CofC Week for a rousing end to an exciting week . Enjoy multicultural food, music and fun as you move to the rhythm of Tropic Culture Band and Buen Ache Dance Group.

Friday, October 22, 2010 5:00 pm

Location: Stern Center Gardens

Rain Location: Physician’s Auditorium

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Queen Quet Marquetta L. Goodwine is a published author, computer scien-tist, lecturer, mathematician, historian, columnist, preservationist, and "The Art-ivist." In August 2008, Queen Quet was one of the first of seven induc-tees to the Gullah/Geechee Nation Hall of Fame. She received the "Anointed Spirit Award" for her leadership and for being a visionary. Queen Quet has not only provided histo-musical presentations throughout the world, but was also the first Gullah/Geechee person to speak on behalf of her people before the United Nations in Genevé, Switzerland. Goodwine was also selected, elected, and enstooled by her people to be the first Queen Mother of and official spokesperson for the Gullah/Geechee Nation. As a result, she is respectfully referred to as "Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation." She is the head-of-state for the Gullah/Geechee Nation.

Queen Quet Chieftess of the

Gullah/Geechee

Nation

“Disya Da Wi: The Journey to and through the Gullah Geechee Nation” "Disya da Wi: The Journey to and through the Gullah/Geechee Nation: A Histo-Musical Presentation by Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation." This will be an interactive presentations incorporating historical lecture, folklore, and music in the Gullah/Geechee language. Queen Quet is the founder of the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition which is the premiere organization the has led the movement to protect the rights of and receive recognition for Gullah/Geechees. She takes the audience on this journey with her in this celebration of culture.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 3pm

Location: Alumni Center At EHHP (86 Wentworth St)

Sponsored by: Office of Institutional Diversity

DAILY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

“Who We Are, Who We Want To Be” Join the Black Student Union for an interactive forum and panel serving to educate and inspire students on African American leadership, role models and community accountability. We will focus on obvious stereotypes and strategic methods for achieving goals effectively leading our community.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell ... Historical Background, Legal Issues and Discussion" Don't ask, don't tell (DADT) is the common term for the policy restricting the United States military from efforts to discover or reveal closeted gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members or applicants, while barring those who are openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual from military service. The Honors College invites all students, staff and faculty to learn about the historical and legal background of this policy followed by a discussion.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 7 pm

Location: Maybank 100

Sponsored by: Black Student Union

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 7pm

Location: Hawkins Living Learning Center

Sponsored by: Honors College

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Wednesday, October 20, 2010 6pm

Location: Jewish Student Center

Sponsored by : Multicultural Student Programs and Services and Jewish Studies

Wednesday ,October 20, 2010 6 pm

Location: Physician’s Auditorium

Sponsored by: Political Science and Women’s and Gender Studies

Wednesday October 20, 2010 10:00 am

Location: Physician’s Auditorium

Sponsored by :Office of Institutional Diversity

DAILY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Intersections and Identities: A Film and Panel Discussion “The World Unseen” What does it mean to be a woman? What does it mean to be an acceptable woman in a particular culture? What does it mean to be a citizen? What does it mean when your citizenship is denied to you on the basis of race? What does it mean to love appropriately? Join members of the faculty in Political Science and Women’s and Gender Studies to examine these questions in light of “the World Unseen”-set in South Africa during apartheid, the film explores love, expectations and politics.

Multicultural Reach Out and Read The Office of Institutional Diversity, in its outreach efforts, invites local elementary school students for a morning of culture and education. OID realizes that it is important to educate our youth and expose them to various cultures and elements of their heritage. Natalie Daise of Nickelodeon's Gullah Gullah Island will read to local elementary school students. Well known for modeling effective and joyful parenting and for bringing Gullah culture to national and international television audiences through Nick Jr'sGullah Gullah Island, Ron and Natalie Daise are actors, singers, storytellers, entrepreneurs, songwriters and publishers.

Shades of You In collaboration with Jewish Studies, the Multicultural Center presents Shades of You. Shades of You is a multicultural program designed to provide an opportunity for students, faculty and staff regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or culture to network, socialize, and build lasting relationships. We constantly strive for successful multicultural student experiences in higher education at the College. This is a tremendous opportunity for both groups to come together with a positive program.

Thursday, October 21, 2010 5:30pm

Location: Alumni Center At EHHP (86 Wentworth St)

Sponsored by: SGA

Thursday, October 21, 2010 4 pm

Location; RSS 105

DAILY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

“When Does It Matter?”

When does it matter if you are black? When does it matter if you are white? When does it matter if you are Hispanic or Asian? Join SGA and members of diverse campus groups for a presentation by Dr. Consuela Francis with African American Studies for a discussion of when it matters that you represent a different race or culture. Does it matter at all?

CofC: Recent and Future Activities for Students and People with Intellectual Disabilities This event will involve presentations from various individuals related to the REACH program and Best Buddies CofC. The REACH program provides students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to gain academic, residential, social and cultural experiences offered by the College, with appropriate support for success. Best Buddies CofC promotes friendships between college students and individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Diversity in Academia What are the issues facing under-represented groups and the transition to and from graduate school in the humanities and other disciplines? Join panelists in an in depth discussion on improving diversity in academia.

Friday, October 22, 2010 3 pm

Location: Stern Center Ballroom

Sponsored by : CofC Philosophical Society

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Wednesday, October 20, 2010 8:00 pm

Location: Physician’s Auditorium

Sponsored by: Coalition for Equal Rights

DAILY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Greeks: Culture, Class and Higher Education Thought you knew everything about Greek Life? This program is geared to educate the campus about the Greek culture on higher education. The goal of this discussion is to eliminate myths and build a better understanding of the Greek Councils on campus.

“Out in the South” —Drag for Diversity In Celebration of Nat’l Coming out Day (Oct.11) the Coalition for Equal Rights will host a Drag Show composed of Student Performers emphasizing the recognition and understanding of the LGBTQQAAI community on-campus. Drag royalty, Lady Gaga wannabes, and interpretive dancers will be taking the stage for this “gaytastic” event! The show will celebrate the LGBTQQAAI community and bring awareness to issues such as coming out, discrimination, and learning how to be proud and out in the south! This is not just for Queer folk but for the allies, the curious, and whomever! wants to see a great show!

Elke Kennedy: The Story of Sean’s Last Wish On May 16, 2007, at about 3:45 am, Sean was leaving a local bar in Greenville when a car pulled up beside him and young man got out of the car and called him fagot and then punched him so hard that it broke his face bones This resulted in his brain being separated from his brain stem and later consequently his death. Come hear Elke Kennedy as she shares the story of her son, Sean, who was killed in 2007 as the result of a hate crime.

Daily, October 18-22, 2010

Location: NPHC House

Sponsored by: Office of Greek Life

Thursday , October 21, 2010 7pm

Location: Stern Center Ballroom

Sponsored by : Office of Student Life

It was 2007 and brothers Alberto and Jorge Espinosa followed a vision -- to build a high-energy band that skillfully fuses their love for Latin, Jazz, Rock, Reggae and Soul into a sound to make the feet dance and heart smile. In less than 3 years, this young band has scored placements on two respected compilation CDs that highlight various up-and-coming artists. Dedicated to delivering what they call “feel good music,” they were recently hailed as “a power-house of a sound that reaches all ages & cultures” after performing before a crowd of thousands. This funky, energetic, young band connects with audiences by taking on social issues such as hate and intolerance with smooth tunes like “Eliminate the Hate” and “Freedom Fighters.” What’s more, they balance the audience’s music selection using sensual ballads and spellbinding songs like “Samba da Vida” that make you croon “oh-eh, oh-aahhh” while waving your hands in the air. Simply stated, this band is focused on becoming one of the commanding forces in the world fusion scene. While the band characterizes themselves as world fusion with an undeniably distinct sound, they openly express their admiration and influences from industry leaders such as Manu Chao, India Arie, Café Tacuba, Ozomatli, Santana and the Dave Matthews Band. Like the greats they admire, their performances are fun and evocative -- with crowds rocking to beats that call for the merengue, salsa, the two-step or a little hip drop at any given time. The new music has been especially popular in college crowds and the band is looking forward to expanding their presence in that market. This award-winning, Charlotte-based band is now booking 2010 tours as they continue to build out the musical and lyrical stylings for their much anticipated 2011 sophomore album. Tropic Culture is definitely working hard and smart to survive in an industry where many don’t make it. As the lyric to their Darker Days song reads, they must “take the world one song at a time.” One thing is obvious; their growing and diverse crowds, increased bookings and continued positive press show Tropic Culture could be a solid contender in the music world. They are a band to get to know. Jorge Espinosa 704-819-9963 www.TropicCulture.com