Fall 2024’s Multicultural Education Week brings exciting lineup of speakers and events

salvetoday Posted On October 25, 2024
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Celebrations are about to begin for Multicultural Education Week (MEW) here at Salve. MEW is celebrated each semester to promote discussions about diversity, equity and inclusion through a variety of events that engage the entire campus.

MEW runs Sunday, Oct. 27, through Friday,  Nov. 1, culminating in a grand festival with interactive stations, dynamic performances and a delicious array of foods from across the Americas. This week’s theme is “Our America” with events focused on exploring immigration, indigenous cultures and creolization. The theme aligns with the University’s critical concerns of mercy, and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating both the experiences of immigrants and the indigenous cultures of the Americas. It also resonates within the broader political context of election season.

Karen Figueroa ’25, a global studies major who has participated in several MEWs while at Salve, finds that it brings the community closer. “Multicultural Education Week is important because it gives us a chance to share our cultures within the Salve community,” said Figueroa. “It gives us a chance to come together and celebrate, all while teaching us the importance of cultural competency and diversity.”

Below is the lineup of speakers and events to help students, faculty and staff join in on cross-cultural conversations. All members of the Salve community are encouraged to participate.

All events can be registered for here.

Multicultural Mass
Sunday, Oct. 27, 5 p.m.
Our Lady of Mercy Chapel

All are welcome to celebrate diverse cultures through a blend of traditions, music and prayers. Attendees are encouraged to wear traditional attire.

Keynote Speaker: Noliwe Rooks
Monday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m.
Bazarsky Lecture Hall

Noliwe Rooks, an interdisciplinary scholar and professor of Africana studies at Brown University will explore the life and legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune, a leader in education and social justice.

Taize Prayer for All Souls
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 4:30 p.m.
Mercy Commons

Join us in Mercy Commons for a Taizé prayer service honoring All Souls’ Day. The evening prayer invites reflection on the lives of the departed.

Día De Los Muertos Kites & Calaveras
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 5:15 p.m.
Mercy Commons

Join us for Kites & Calaveras, a vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos. Led by Father Scott Pontes, the event invites participants to craft giant kites and paint their own Calaveras.

Panel Discussion: Election & Immigration
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m.
Bazarsky Lecture Hall

Reflect and engage in dialogue around the topics of the United States presidential election and immigration.

Waffleween
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m.
Mercy Commons

Co-hosted by Mercy in Motion and the Office of Multicultural Programs and Retention, the event features a waffle bar with delicious toppings. The party ends at 7 p.m., or when the waffles run out.

Cultural Hauntings: Spooky Celebration of Life and Death
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m.
Gerety Hall

This Haunted House event is co-hosted by the Multicultural Student Organization, Black Student Union and the Office of Multicultural Programs and Retention. Journey through traditions of Halloween and Día de lost Muertos, enjoy face painting, crafts and more. Don’t forget to wear your costume!

A Coffee House Celebration
Thursday, Oct. 31, 4 p.m.
Gerety Hall

Enjoy global coffee samples while listening to live performances.

The Multicultural Festival
Friday, Nov. 1, 6-10 p.m.
Ochre Court

Celebrate the vibrant cultures of the Pan-American continent with the Salve community. This semester highlights the rich diversity of North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Enjoy an evening of cultural exploration featuring interactive stations, dynamic performances and a delicious array of foods from across the Americas.

All events can be registered for here.

Multicultural Education Week is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Programs and Retention; Multicultural Student Organization; Black Student Union; Student Government Association; Office of Residence Life; Center for Spiritual Life; Office of Student Engagement and the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance.