By Stephanie Smith
Welcome to Diversity Week
In efforts to showcase diversity on campus, the Multi-Ethnic and Cross-Cultural Programs (MC2) are sponsoring Diversity Week from November 11 to 15.
The week features several events designed to increase students’ acceptance of people from different walks of life. Each of the programs will take place at the MC2 offices or at the Red Barn between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The Army and Air Force ROTC kicked off the week on Monday with a showcase of diversity efforts, such as the historic role of African Americans, Native Americans and women in the armed forces.
A luncheon held at 11:30 a.m. was followed by two guest speakers: Air National Guard Colonel Cora Jackson and John Taylor, the founder of the Buffalo Soldiers organization in Louisville. The Buffalo Soldiers form opportunities for different ethnic groups and children in the community. The movie An Untold Story was shown as a conclusion.
“Hopefully, today pays off and will deliver a message to campus of how the military is important and gives opportunities to people, whatever their ethnicity may be,” said Steven Engels, one of the organizers for Monday’s event, who is a senior marketing major and a Cadet Captain in the U of L ROTC.
Today’s event is hosted by the NAACP. Jackie Johnson, a representative of the Louisville HIV Prevention Services, will speaking to students in the Red Barn. According to Kay Taylor, president of the NAACP, Johnson has an interactive program prepared for today that will feature discussions on sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptives.
The discussion will last from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and food will be provided.
On Wednesday, the U of L Counseling Center is presenting a holistic student health fair. This program will address mental and physical health issues that impact African American students. Information will be available at the event, as well as blood pressure checks, weight checks, and cholesterol screenings. The program will last from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Red Barn. Contact Darlene Taylor at 852-6585 for more information.
