Multicultural Education Week returns Feb. 23-27

After two successful implementations, Multicultural Education Week is back. Scheduled for Feb. 23-27, the Office of Multicultural Programs’ third annual Multicultural Education Week progresses in three stages: engagement, discussion and celebration.

Engagement: Bertice Berry

7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23 in the Bazarsky Lecture Hall

The week kicks off with award-winning speaker, bestselling author and critically acclaimed comedienne Bertice Berry. No one defies stereotypes, generalizations or cliches more than Berry. Having earned her Ph.D in sociology by the age of 26, she went on to become an award-winning entertainer, lecturer and comedienne in addition to hosting her own nationally syndicated talk show, “The Bertice Berry Show.”

Engagement: Student showcase

7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, O’Hare Academic Center second floor

Some of the most valuable lessons we learn in college aren’t found in textbooks, but in one another. The student showcase will feature eight presentation- and discussion-based sessions facilitated by students, who will speak to the successes and adversities of their experiences. Topics will include the annual Nicaragua service trip, buying fair trade in regard to Costa Rica, Hour to Empower, the multicultural leadership retreat, the Alliance, Global Citizens Club and “Greg’s Story: One Step at a Time,” presented by Greg Demeule ’15.

Engagement: “You’ve Crossed the Line”

7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, Bazarsky Lecture Hall

In this competitive comedy show, Salve Regina faculty and staff will judge professional stand-up comics on pushing the limits of discrimination-based humor. Judges include Khalil Habib, G. Wayne Miller, Christelle Miskizak, Mimi Mutoni and Sean O’Callaghan. Can a white comedian make jokes about black people? Can an Asian comedian make jokes about Hispanic people? “You’ve Crossed the Line” brings comedians and education to the forefront of civil rights and human rights efforts to address freedom of speech, equality and diversity.

Discussion: Safe space and ally certification

1-3:30 p.m. and 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, Ochre Court library

What does it take to create a safe space? To identify and mobilize a network of people who are empathetic and knowledgeable about LGBT people and topics, to provide evidence of LGBT support by displaying a sign as a visible symbol of personal commitment, and to reduce the fear of reprisal and discrimination of LGBT persons within the Salve Regina community. This is an opportunity for students, staff and faculty to become ally certified, providing access to not only awareness of the LGBT community, but also the proper qualifications to take appropriate action.

Discussion: “Overcoming Adversity”

8-10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, Ochre Court state dining room

During “Overcoming Adversity: An Honest Dialogue About Diversity,” Nadia Abgrab, Ducha Hang, Sami Nassim, Sean O’Callaghan and Kathy Vespia will discuss the discrimination, plight, hardship and success that each of us may face on both the personal and national level. The presentation will conclude with an open-floor discussion about the cultural adversity our country is facing (such as the recent incident in Ferguson).

Celebration: Multicultural Festival

8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Feb. 27, Ochre Court

The festival will feature cultural exploration, tips from student experts and a fashion show. Let us taste the magnificent cuisine from every corner of the globe. Let us see the dances that have been passed from generation to generation. Let us come together for a night of warmth, celebration and acceptance.