Whenever there are events celebrating particular groups, there is a common misconception that one must be a member of these groups to participate. To change these conceptions, the Cross-Cultural Center, in connection with several campus groups, is putting on several events throughout the quarter in celebration of both Black History and Women’s History Month, as well as events on other topics.
“”These events are open to everyone,”” said CCC Director Edwina Welch. “”They will give people opportunities to learn about new areas and gain new knowledge. The exciting thing about being a college student is that you can expand your world view.””
To celebrate Black History Month, the Cross-Cultural Center has organized a series of events with other campus departments. There will be a kick-off celebration brunch at the Faculty Club on Feb. 1 to recognize the contributions of blacks. This will be followed by the African American Student Union’s Black History Month Celebration at Price Center Plaza, which will recognize local news anchors for their contributions to the media. Other attractions include performances, an African art and artifacts display, a lecture on the history of black Americans, a soul food luncheon and a musical play based on the theatrical, vocal, oral, musical and dance traditions of blacks.
Another special event is a student-initiated hip-hop series. The first part of the series is a screening of the film “”Slam,”” which follows a young man in his path toward salvation on Jan. 30. On Feb. 13, there will be a discussion on hip-hop culture and how it is used to organize communities. The finale will be a special stage for people to show off their creative sides, create, explore and rebuild worlds on March 1.
As a part of Sexual Awareness Week, there will be a discussion of various often “”taboo”” topics on sex, sexuality and relationships on Feb. 6.
“”This will provide students with a safe environment to talk about sexuality and relationships,”” Welch said.
On Feb. 7, Dr. Walter Allen and his associates will speak about their experiences creating diverse learning environments on college campuses in a town hall forum. Students will be able to share their views on aspects of culture, respect, awareness, community and on building diversity at UCSD, which is a major concern of many students.
There will be a presentation of the film “”Barbershop,”” the story of a Chicago barbershop where characters share their stories, jokes, trials and tribulations, on Feb. 11 as a part of the CCC’s film series. On Feb. 19, performer/filmmaker/writer/comedian Kip Fulbeck, a premiere artist on multiraciality and Hapa identity, will give a presentation of art, multimedia and comedy. On that same day, there will also be a lecture by Scott Fried, who will speak on love, his life with AIDS and the positions of various religions on the virus.
Students and staff will have a chance to meet new faculty at the New Faculty Welcome Mixer on Feb. 27. This is an opportunity for new faculty to get to know one another and become acquainted with the CCC as a community center. They will also be able to share their research, developments and projects with staff and students.
To help celebrate Women’s History Month, the Cross-Cultural Center is co-sponsoring a puppet-making and poetry workshop on women, art and activism in downtown San Diego in an effort to connect students with the outside community. This workshop, which is being held on March 5, will give participants the opportunity to explore their artistic sides. For more information on this event, e-mail [email protected] or call (619) 230-1869.
In addition to Cross-Cultural Center collaborations, there will also be other celebrations throughout the winter quarter, including the “”Vagina Monologues,”” the Raise Your Voice Campaign and International Women’s Day.
Welch hopes that the events will help fulfill the Cross-Cultural Center’s mission of producing a better campus climate. She stresses the importance of the activities in bringing the entire campus community together.
“”These efforts are collaborative [with other community centers]. When we work with others, it is better for everyone,”” she said.
