UA’s Student Government Association aims to provoke thought and conversation among the campus community through several events during its annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week beginning Jan. 27.
Events will get underway Monday night with the Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture featuring Yusef Salaam, a member of the Exonerated Five, formerly known as the Central Park Five. The free event will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Ferguson Center Ballroom and is open to the public. After the lecture, Salaam will sign copies of his book, “Words of a Man: my right to be,” which can be purchased at the University Supply Store.
On Tuesday, students will have the opportunity to network with members of different affinity groups on campus, such as the Black Faculty and Staff Association, Latino Faculty Staff Association and Office, Clerical, Technical Staff Assembly, during a reception at 6 p.m. in Ferguson Center’s Great Hall.
According to Demarcus Joiner, SGA vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, the overarching goal for the event is to show students that there are faculty and staff that have the same identities, experiences and cultures as them.
Wednesday will feature Spill the Tea: Culture Edition at 7 p.m. in Ferguson Center’s Great Hall. A panel consisting of members from Veterans Affairs, Black Student Union, International Student Association, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Spectrum, and Office of Disability Services will discuss the similarities of their respective communities. The panel will give students the opportunity to collaborate with their experiences and perspectives as members of these cultures.
The week will conclude Thursday night with culture karaoke at 7 p.m. in 3104 Ferguson Center. The fun-filled event will feature music from various genres and cultures.