Diversity Week is full of cultural events

By: Heather Davenport

Posted: 2/5/07

The third annual diversity week, "Diversity Week 2007: Uncaged," kicks off at 2 p.m. today in the Quad. An enormous "Cage of Oppression," representing different forms of discrimination, will be displayed all week.

The last day of the event is Sunday, Feb. 11: the "Global Village" from 1-4 p.m. in the University Center. Students, as well as the public, are welcome to attend both events.

"Diversity week has been quite a success in the past because of several events throughout the week, especially with the last event, Global Village, where people can come and experience different foods from different cultures," said David Greene, who works in the student life office here on campus.

UMKC will also be working with Kansas City's Ethnic Enrichment Commission for the Global Village event. Along with food there will be dancing, crafts and fashion from various cultures.

The events for diversity week are organized by student input and the Student Life Office. The office sends e-mails to several different student organizations to see if students have ideas or would like to help out with the events.

Diversity Week is also co-sponsored by LGBT Programs and Services, the Mercury Association, UMKC Student Communicators, the Office of Diversity and Equity, Talent Scholars, and the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.

"Students with Disabilities: Understanding Rights and Responsibilities," will be held Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Alumni Room, University Center. A panel of UMKC students with disabilities will tell their stories.

Esera Tuaolo will share his story, "Alone in the Trenches: My Life as a Gay Man in the NFL," on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in Pierson Auditorium.

On Thursday, Feb. 8, at 4 p.m. in the Oak Street Residence Hall, there will be a screening of the documentary "Despair," by Harriet Kostoff. This documentary addresses different ethnic viewpoints about depression.

"Diversity Trivia Night" will be held Friday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m. in the Oak Street Residence Hall. There will be games, food, music and prizes.

hdavenport@unews.com