What is multiculturalism? Multiculturalism, broadly defined, is the idea that "several different cultures can coexist peacefully and equitably" (WordNet, Princeton University, 2006). At Lehigh, multiculturalism is about recognizing, accepting and celebrating differences within our campus and surrounding communities.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs at Lehigh (OMA) believes multiculturalism is as much a foundational element of United States history as it is a necessity for collective progress in an increasingly global society. The OMA is a great place to begin your individual exploration of various cultures, ideas and identities.
We offer a range of programs, guest lectures and events to get you started down the path of self-discovery. If you've already started these processes, OMA programs and services can offer ways to increase your knowledge, enhance your skills and deepen your appreciation for diversity.
We are here to help you celebrate your unique contributions to this wonderfully complex society, while recognizing equal value in the contributions of others. Perhaps most importantly, we challenge you to think critically and become leaders in resolving the world's toughest issues related to diversity.
I invite you to become anactive member of Lehigh's multicultural family. Let's grow together.
John F. McKnight, Jr. E-mail John at mcknight@lehigh.edu
or call the OMA at 610-758-5973
UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Faces of America Thursday, September 4 at 7pm - Baker in Zoellner
Presented in almost every state, Faces of America has been added to several universities' regular curriculum as well as for corporate and government diversity training programs. Hailed by the LA Times as a "Best Bet", Faces tells the stories of:
a "Happa" (Japanese-Hungarian) who begins to understand her heritage through her grandfather's story of immigration and subsequent internment in the Japanese American war camps
a young Latino seeks to challenge the stereotypes of coming from the barrio
an East Indian American woman whose hope of living in a caste-free society is shattered by an on-campus hate crime
an African-American man discusses the corollation of racism and socio-economics
a young liberal white male fights against his father's bigotry and the notion of racism being a white disease
a Filipina-American doctor learns the impact of patience and religious faith
"Fuzzy", a mixed-blood, lesbian American whose revolutionary ideas will change the way you think and feel forever!
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.
Faces of America Debrief Friday, September 5 at 12pm - Multicultural Center
Paul Loeb: Soul of a Citizen Tuesday, September 9 at 7:30pm - Packard 101
Author, community organizer and lecturer Paul Loeb will offer also 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/
