Dr. Raquel Z. Rivera is co-editor of the anthology Reggaeton (2009) and author of New York Ricans from the Hip Hop Zone(2003). Her articles on pupular culture have been published in numerous books, journals, newspapers and magazines. she blogs on reggaeton @ www.reggaetonica.blogspot.com
The Humanities Center will explore the topic "Speaking Bodies" through a series of talks, screenings, and performances that will engage in reading, interpreting, imagining, remembering, mapping, and listening to the body in its material and discursive manifestations. Taking as point of departure the idea that the body speaks and it must be heard, we will explore issues such as embodiment, inscriptions on the body (from law to tattoos), gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race, bodily memory, body language, moving bodies, illness, performance, mutilations, trauma, rituals and spirituality.
Similar to All Saints Day and All Souls Day, Dia de los Muertos is a holiday observed in Mexico and by Latinos all over the world. The day is meant to honor the memory of someone who passed away tht touched your life. This can be anyone from a family member, a friend, a famous person, etc. People also show their support for others who have passed away (i.e. indicviduals who have died from AIDS related illnesses, starvation, terrorist acts, etc.) . You certainly can google it to find more information on sites such as wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead. Traditional forms of celebrating this day are for individuals to make "altars"/displays which include pictures of those being remembered, items they were fond of, snacks/foods they favored, candles, marigolds/flowers, gifts, etc. Traditional altars also include "sugar skulls"(also googlable).
A heartbreakingly moving play about family and the devotion of siblings. After the passing of their mother, the father of two young Mexican boys leaves them with their grandmother as he looks for work in the US. When she dies, the boys are shunted off to distant relatives, and when that situation becomes too difficult, they decide to head off together to find their father. (Some adult language)
School Show (In English): Fri., Oct. 30 • 10 am • $4 per student/chaperone
The production will be available to tour local schools Nov. 2–6 • Contact Ticket Services
Academic Term 08 - 09
AUGUST 2008
Orientation Resource Tables Thursday, August 21 - 11:30am-1:30pm
After you've moved all of your belongings into your new room, met your roommate and started to settle into Lehigh, stop by Library Drive (in front of the UC) and visit our resource table. You will be able to meet and greet our staff, find out about upcoming events and sign up for our e-mail list serv.
Multicultural Center Family Reception Thursday, August 21 - 2:00-3:00pm
Stop by the Multicultural Center (affectionately known as the M-Room) in the University Center for a more in-depth exploration of our programs and services. We are happy to meet parents and family members to answer any questions you may have about cultural life at Lehigh.
Orientation Academic Showcase -
Kaleidoscope and
Lehigh POP Programs Sunday, August 24 - 2:30-5:30pm
We are thrilled to offer two concurrent programs during the Academic Showcase part of Orientation. Our Kaleidoscope Peer Educators will give you a sample program and discuss their availability throughout the year to facilitate programs for your student club, floormates, team or any other group. At the same time, you may also gain a sneak preview of the Lehigh POP! programming series which focuses on American popular culture and individual identity development. Check your Orientation schedule for locations.
Student Club Expo Monday, August 25 - 4:00-6:00pm
We know it's only the first day of classes, but why wait to get involved in a student club or organizations. Nearly all of the cultural student groups, including our OMA Cultural Programming Board and Kaleidoscope groups will have information tables set up on the UC Front Lawn. Representatives of each club will be on-hand to give you details about their group and show you how to sign up. Don't miss this opportunity to get connected!
LGBTQA Services, Women's Center and
Multicultural Affairs Open House Thursday, August 28 - 4:30-6:00pm
The first week of classes will almost be over by this point and our Advocacy & Equity offices want to celebrate with you! We will open up our spaces for anyone who is interested in getting more intimately acquainted with our office initiatives. There is no formal program, we simply want to create a space for new students, older students and staff to mix and mingle. There will be food and drinks for all, so make sure to stop by the 2nd floor of the University Center.
iChange 2008 Block Party Saturday, August 30 - begins at 4pm in Umoja House Parking Lot
This all-day affair will kick start the year in style. This will be the first of many opportunities for the Lehigh campus community to come together in celebration of unity through diversity. There will be iTouch & Apple Product Giveaways, Music, a show featuring music sets from
NYC DJs Old Money &
Melo-X,
Spoken Word from
Kesed I Am
(2005 Urban Word NYC Slam Team/2008 Urbana) and other entertainment, Food, Drinks, Contests, Free T-shirts, a Photo Station and an Official iChange Party from 10pm-2am in the U-House Basement.
SEPTEMBER 2008
evoLUtion seminars Scheduled by the Office of the First-Year Experience
The Office of the First-Year Experience (OFYE) is proud to offer a four-week seminar for new students as an extension of their orientation. These seminars expose students to a wide-range of information related to life in college. The OMA was heavily involved in designing the second and third sessions to engage students in an intellectual conversation about their individual identity development. You will be given thoughtful readings and assignments to help you determine what type of college experience you'd like to have, and how to make sure to create that experience.
Faces of America Thursday, September 4 - 7:00-9:00pm
You will be amazed by this one-person show that addresses contemporary issues related to race and ethnicity in the United States of America.
Written entirely from interviews and workshops held across the country Faces has been described as the first truly multicultural portrayal of Americans ever created, and "edu-tainment" at its best. Check your orientation schedule for location information.
Faces of America Follow-up Brown Bag Lunch Friday, September 5 - 12:00-1:00pm
Many of the themes from the Faces of America show could challenge your thoughts and ideas about the social construction of race in America. We want to provide ample space for you to digest the material and continue to delve deeper into the issues. Bring your own lunch to the Multicultural center and we will debrief the Faces experience.
Paul Loeb: Soul of a Citizen Tuesday, September 9 at 7:30pm - Packard 101
Author, community organizer and lecturer Paul Loeb will offer a public talk on his award-winning books on civic engagement, "Soul of a Citizen," "The Impossible Will Take a Little While," and "Generation at the Crossroads." Loeb gets beyond prevailing media stereotypes to understand the struggle of students to find their place in a confusing world. He looks at how ordinary citizens, of all ages, learn to take committed stands. He talks of how people get involved in larger community issues and what stops them from getting involved; how they burn out in exhaustion or maintain commitment for the long haul; how civic involvement can give a sense of connection and purpose rare in purely personal life. He explores how students and citizens in general can gain the moral, political, and intellectual tools to take responsibility for the future. Visit www.paulloeb.org/
The Bethlehem Southside Initiative: A Conversation with Paul Loeb and Professors Seth Moglen & John Pettegrew Wednesday, September 10 at noon - University Center 308
The South Side Initiative and the Lehigh University Office of Multicultural Affairs welcome scholar and author PAUL LOEB speaking on civic engagement and social responsibility in OUR COMMUNITY THE SOUTH SIDE OF BETHLEHEM. Please join us for food, drinks, and creative discussion!
Paul Loeb Faculty & Staff Workshop: Teaching for Engagement Wednesday, September 10 at 4:30pm - University Center - Asa Packer Dining Room
Faculty and Professional Staff are invited to a workshop on teaching for civic involvement. If you’re worried about your students' detachment from broader community involvement, and would like to see them more socially engaged, this is a perfect opportunity to talk with Paul and other faculty about the barriers to involvement faced by this new generation and how you can help your students overcome them. Hearing a range of voices from "I'm not that kind of person" to "I had to take a stand," Loeb examines students' concepts of social, political, and environmental responsibility, what matters in their lives, and how they view themselves in relation to a larger human community. Loeb challenges images of a generation universally perceived as apathetic and greedy, and asks how students and citizens in general can gain the moral, political, and intellectual tools to take responsibility for the future, and how faculty and professional staff can help in this journey.
Muslim Student Association presents annual Iftar Thursday, September 25 at 6:30pm in Windish Hall
OMA Sunday Dinner: Hosted by SHPE/HUBS/LTA Sunday, September 28 at 4:00pm in the Umoja House
Free food, fun and fellowship available once a month in the Umoja House courtesy of the OMA. This month, members of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Hispanic Union of Business Students (HUBS) and the Lambda Theta Alpha historically Latina sorority (LTA) will co-sponsor, ordering Spanish food from Boriquen.
OCTOBER 2008
BALANCE Dinner Friday, October 3rd at 6:00pm in the Umoja House
Lehigh University's Black And Latino Alumni Network for Community and Equity (BALANCE) group will be on campus for Alumni Weekend. OMA will host a special dinner for current students, staff, faculty as well as alumni to establish strong connections between members of the Lehigh family.
Dr. Ron Williams, Vice President at College Board in Washington, D.C., will be the keynote speaker for the dinner, which is an otherwise informal social gathering. Dr. Williams is a former College President at two institutions and author of several books. He received his BS, MA and Ph.D. from Lehigh's English Department, was a track star in the mid 70's, served an Adjunct Professor in the LU Africana Studies Program in the 90's and served briefly on the Alumni Association Board.
Lehigh POP! Program - Cyber Communities Tuesday October 7th at 4:30pm in Maginnes
As the second program in our monthly Lehigh POP! series, this interactive session will raise questions about the popular trend of online communities. Cyber tools like Facebook, MySpace and Google Earth will be the center of an open dialogue about the safety of online networking. Don't miss this important conversation!
Grand Opening of the New & Improved M-Room Wednesday, October 15 at 12:00pm in the Multicultural Center
Join us as we celebrate the start of something new in the M-Room! Come check out the enhancements we've made to the space, including the 50" Plasma Screen Television. We will serve cake, but feel free to bring your own lunch.
OMA Film Series: Fresa y Chocolate Thursday, October 16 at 7:00pm in Maginnes 113
Latin American Studies, The Rainbow Room and Multicultural Affairs presents the feature film, Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberries and Chocolate).
Diego, a cultivated, homosexual and skeptical young man, falls in love with a young heterosexual communist full of prejudices and doctrinary ideas.
Quinceanera! Saturday, October 18 at 5:00pm in Sayre Park Lodge
Members of the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority (LTA) and Hispanic Union of Business Students (HUBS) will co-sponsor this mock version of a birthday party for a 15-year-old Hispanic woman. There will be food, dancing and lots of cultural fun.
OMA Sunday Dinner: Career Services, ACCC & KAY Sunday, October 19 at 3:00pm in the Umoja House
This month's Sunday Dinner will be co-hosted with Career Services and members of the African Carribean Cultural Club and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Food will be served and the Kappas will lead a discussion entitled "Have Black Men Failed Black Women?" After dinner and the discussion, there will be a spades tournament as well as an opportunity to mix and mingle with Black and Hispanic faculty and staff members.
Dr. Manning Marable Monday, October 20 at 7:00pm at Moravian College (transportation available upon request)
The LVAIC Minority Affairs Coalition, of which Lehigh's OMA is a member, will sponsor Dr. Marable's lecture entitled The Politics of Race, Classism, and Gender. Since 1993, Dr. Marable has been Professor of Public Affairs, Political Science, History and African-American Studies at Columbia University in New York City.
Step Afrika! Tuesday, October 21 at 8:30pm in Lamberton Great Hall
Step Afrika celebrates stepping, an art form born at African American fraternities and based in African traditions. As the first professional company dedicated to stepping, Step Afrika’s intricate kicks, stomps and rhythms mixed with spoken word pound the floor and fill the air.
OMA Open Mic Series Friday, October 24 at 7:30pm in Lamberton Great Hall
Join us for our monthly Open Mic. This is an opportunity for any member of the Lehigh community to speak his or her mind about politics, Lehigh community issues or anything else that might be on their minds. If you're interested in performing, show up a few minutes earlier to sign up.
The HipHopCollective Friday, October 24 at 9:00pm at Touchstone Theatre
Professor Kashi Johnson is sponsoring an unforgettable night of live performance celebrating Hip Hop culture. Featuring spoken word poetry, dance, acting, music & more. Post-intermission: OPEN MIC. Come touch the stage & show us what you got.
Feature Artist: D'Vass (NYC-based dancer)
$5.00 (Free admission if you rock the Open Mic)
NOVEMBER 2008
PowWow Highway Film & Discussion Thursday, November 6 at 7:00pm in the Multicultural Center
PowWow Highway Film Old friends Buddy, a hard-edged activist who is fighting to protect his community from greedy developers, and Philbert, a seeker of Native wisdom, set off together on a life-changing road trip from Lame Deer, Montana, to Santa Fe. Gary Farmer's playful and startlingly honest portrayel of the artless Philbert remains a landmark performance in challenging Hollywood's stereotypes, and Powwow Highway has become a classic of Native film history. Come out and watch this powerful, captivating film with discussion to follow. Hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Professor Ed Whitley of the English Department.
Multicultural Film Series Sun, November 16 - Fri, November 21 at 4:30pm in the Multicultural Center
Into the West Mini-Series (Drama)Into the West, a six-week television event from TNT, explores one of the most powerful and defining chapters in American history. As the desire for adventure, wealth and a better life inspires thousands to risk their lives traveling across the vast western territories, the inhabitants of this land see their way of life being compromised. This powerful epic adventure unfolds as told through the struggles, triumphs and heartaches of two families as they journey in search of the American dream. Executive Produced by Steven Spielberg.
Piscataway Indian Nation Singers and Dancers Friday, November 21 at 7:00pm in Packard 101
Famous for their internationally-recognized living history program, the Piscataway Indian Nation Singers & Dancers conduct workshops, present lectures and perform authentic American Indian Dance, Drum and Song. From "Tayac Territory' near Port Tobacco, Maryland, Mark Tayac and The Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers travel throughout Europe, Canada and the United States with one of the most colorful, artful and educational programs in the country. In addition to movie appearances with actor Kevin Costner ("Dances With Wolves"), the Piscataway Indian Nation Singers & Dancers are frequent contributors to TV specials on both the History Channel and Discovery Channel. Appearing regularly at the Smithsonian's Museum of the American Indian, national pow-wows, major festivals and colleges across the country, The Piscataway Nation Singers & Dancers welcome the opportunity to educate and entertain audiences who want to learn more about Native American history, culture and contemporary issues. Spectrum's Annual Thanksgiving Dinner The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Spectrum are collaborating with many other cultural student organizations to offer an outstanding meal and family atmosphere for holiday fun.
Spectrum’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Sunday, November 23, in Sayre Park Lounge @ 4:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. required
The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Spectrum are collaborating with many other cultural student organizations to offer an outstanding meal and family atmosphere for holiday fun.
JANUARY 2009
Lehigh Celebrates the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2nd Annual MLK Memorial Awards Convocation Monday, January 19 at 4:30pm in Packer Chapel
In recognition of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King National Holiday, Lehigh University’s 2nd Annual MLK Memorial Convocation celebrates the life and dream of the late civil rights activist by affirming the human ideals of freedom, justice, community and opportunity. This year’s theme – Remaining Awake through a Great Revolution – reminds us of Dr. King’s plea that during great periods of social change, such as the one our nation is currently facing, that we remain open to the many possibilities without losing sight of the many challenges.
The Memorial Convocation will include the presentation of several Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards for Dedication and Commitment to Service. Each year these awards are presented to exceptional individuals and organizations who have distinguished themselves in the service of Lehigh and neighboring communities. Critically acclaimed speaker, actor, and Dr. King portrayer, Jim Lucas, will perform “Reflections,” a collection of dramatic renditions of Dr. King’s speeches.
MLK Youth Program Tuesday, January 20 through Thursday, January 22 from 3:45-5:15pm
In light of Dr. King's commitment to service, we are happy to offer opportunities for Lehigh students to serve youth in the local community during MLK week. Volunteers will work with the Bethlehem Neighborhood Center after-school homework clubs on Tuesday, January 20 through Thursday, January 22 from 3:45-5:15pm. Participants will tutor kids from Donegan, Fountain Hill and Freemansburg elementary schools. We will utilize Nikki Giovanni's childrens books as guides for supplemental educational activities. The sites are Lynfield, Evans, Fritz and Nativity. To participate, students must contact the Community Service Office at inserve@lehigh.edu. Participants will be selected on a first come first serve basis.
Presidential Inauguration Tuesday, January 20, 2009 from 11am - 1pm in Lamberton
On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, the world will witness history in the making – the inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States of America. Though the day’s events will be broadcast in various campus locations, as part of this year’s King celebration, we will gather in Lamberton Great Hall to view this historic moment as a community.
Faculty Research Summit Wednesday, January 21, 2009 from 12:00-1:30pm UC TBD
In line with this year’s theme, the Faculty Summit recognizes and celebrates members of Lehigh faculty whose academic work and research connect to Dr. King’s vision for racial and social justice, those whose work challenges us to Remain Awake. During the Celebration week, poster board displays will be placed across campus and during the summit faculty members will give brief presentations and engage the campus community in honest dialogue.
Professor Nikki Giovanni Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 7:30pm in Baker Auditorium
The 2008-2009 Annual MLK Celebration Planning committee is pleased to announce that world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist and educator, Nikki Giovanni, will be this year’s Keynote Speaker. The Keynote Address, scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Zoellner Arts Center - Baker Auditorium, will take place as part of the University’s weeklong celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
MLK Interfaith Breakfast Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 8:30am in the Asa Packer Dining Room
Our Remaining Awake theme continues in our fifth Annual celebration of unity despite religious differences. We will enjoy breakfast together and reflect on the Celebration. Several faiths will be represented through readings, prayers and songs. There will be an opportunity for attendees to share personal reflections with the group. This event is open to all members of the Lehigh University community. Spaces are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please e-mail in-oma@lehigh.edu to RSVP by January 15th at 5pm.
Season of Youth Film Screening Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 5:00pm in Kenner Theatre
Join filmmaker and Lehigh alumnus Eric Perlmutter for a screening and discussion around his film, Season of Youth adapted from a play that explores issues of race and class amongst prep-school students in Connecticut. Eric first tapped into his artistic soul as a first year student at Lehigh University, where he found solace in a beginners’ acting class. After graduating from Lehigh as the class of 1992's only Theatre major, he decided to dive into the New York acting world. Eric acted in dozens of Off-Off Broadway and Off Broadway productions and even starred in a feature film called "Burn." He then moved to Los Angeles and found a home with a new theatre company called Sacred Fools. He began writing, directing and becoming more involved with this wonderful theatre group.
Wake Up! Step Up! Featuring Step Afrika Friday, January 23, 2009 at 8:00pm in Baker Auditorium
We end our annual celebration onthe liveliest of notes with a step show featuring local Lehigh Valley student groups, Greek letter organizations and internationally recognized troupe, Step Afrika. Step Afrika celebrates stepping, an art form born in African American fraternities and based in African traditions. As the first professional company dedicated to stepping, Step Afrika’s intricate kicks, stomps and rhythms mixed with spoken word pound the floor and fill the air. You don't want to miss this incredible culmination of the week's events
FEBRUARY 2009
Hotel Rwanda Film Screening—Feb 2 @ 7 p.m. in Sinclair Auditorium
Free and Open to the Public.
Brown Bag Lunch—Feb 4 @ 12 noon in the M-Room
What Does Obama Mean for Black America?
Cultural Student Organizations Town Hall Meeting— 4:00 p.m. Location TBD
Sunday Dinner—Feb 8 @ 6 p.m. at the UMOJA House
Platanos & Collard Greens—Feb 10 @ 8pm in Baker Auditorium
Platanos & Collard Greens is the hit romantic comedic play that tells the story of Freeman, an African-American man, and Angelita, a Latina woman, who are both forced to confront and overcome cultural and racial prejudices, while defending their bond from family and friends. Platanos has enchanted audiences of over 40,000 both Off Broadway in New York City and at over 100 colleges and universities in more than 17 states around the country.
Brown Bag Lunch—Feb 11@ 12 noon in the M-Room
Blacks & Hispanics at Lehigh.
LVAIC Formal—Feb 14 @ 7pm in Iacocca Hall
The Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges (LVAIC) Racial & Ethnic Diversity Coalition is happy to bring back the annual semi-formal celebration. This Red Carpet Affair will unite diverse student communities from Cedar Crest College, DeSales University, Lafay-ette College, Lehigh University, Moravian College and Muhlenberg College. Tickets are $15.00 each and can be purchase by contacing the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Brown Bag Lunch—Feb 18 @ 12 noon in the M-Room
Homophobia in the Black community.
ACCC Carnivale!— Feb 21 @ 11 p.m. - 2 a.m. at the UMOJA House
An Evening with Paul Rusesabagina—
Feb 24 @ 7pm in Baker
Can one person make a difference? Paul Rusesabagina's inspiring transfor-mationfrom hotelier to protector of neighbors and strangers caught in the middle of the Rwandan conflict provides a powerful answer. The Lehigh community is privileged to host Mr. Rusesabagina, brilliantly portrayed by actor Don Cheadle in the film Hotel Rwanda. From 3:00-4:00pm on the 24th, Mr. Rusesabagina will visit the Lehigh bookstore to sign copies of his autobiography, An Ordinary Man. He will then offer a public lecture as well as conduct a question and answer session at 7:00pm in the Zoellner Arts Center Baker Auditorium. Plan to arrive early, as seating will be limited and granted on a first come, first serve basis.
Brown Bag Lunch—Feb 25 @ 12 noon in the M-Room
Relationships between African-Americans and Africans @ Lehigh.
14th Annual Black Solidarity Conference at Yale University
The Black Solidarity Conference was founded in 1994 and serves as a forum for students of color to exchange ideas and opinions about pressing issues while providing an avenue to network with peers. This year's theme, Beyond Black: Our Identity in Technicolor, seeks to address sexuality; media, fashion, and entertainment; black athletes; black professionalism; spirituality and well-ness; and black self-identification. Featured speakers and performers include Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Estelle, John Singleton, Common and Dave Chappelle.
We end our annual celebration onthe liveliest of notes with a step show featuring local Lehigh Valley student groups, Greek letter organizations and internationally recognized troupe, Step Afrika. Step Afrika celebrates stepping, an art form born in African American fraternities and based in African traditions. As the first professional company dedicated to stepping, Step Afrika’s intricate kicks, stomps and rhythms mixed with spoken word pound the floor and fill the air. You don't want to miss this incredible culmination of the week's events
of Freeman, an African-American man, and Angelita, a Latina woman, who are both forced to confront and overcome cultural and racial prejudices, while defending their bond from family and friends. Platanos has enchanted audiences of over 40,000 both Off Broadway in New York City and at over 100 colleges and universities in more than 17 states around the country.
