The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is hosting its second annual Culture Connect Week on campus this week, with a line up of programs and events spotlighting UH’s diverse student body.
“You should attend if you are looking for a chance to expand your cultural competence and meet other individuals different than yourself,” said Jamie Gonzalez, Graduate Assistant for the center.
The events throughout the week range from student panels, a film screening and discussion, book reading, ally training and faculty lectures. Gonzalez said she is also excited to have the events featured on the newest Cougar Cards, and with at least two events everyday, there are plenty of opportunities for students to have a great time.
Cultural Connect Week is a time for students to help to define what being at a diverse university, like Houston, means, said Niya Blair, Director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.
The ultimate goal is to embrace, integrate and understand all of the different aspects of diversity, which will only help create a stronger community and student body on campus.
“We would like to see (the Center) heavily utilized on campus,” Blair said. “(To be) the area others look to for cultural competence for not only students, but faculty and staff.”
CDI has partnered with other on-campus organizations that promote diversity and inclusion among students. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts will host an open forum event to talk about diversity issues faced on campus.
The week will also feature the showing of the film “Suffragette,” which highlights March as Women’s History Month.
Cultural Connect Week events:
Comic Con
Friday, March 4: Infra(RED) will be holding a Comic Con event where students can check out their favorite fandoms, meet new friends and enjoy free food.
The event is from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Student Center South Ballroom, and there will be a free showing of Ant-Man at 8:30 p.m.
Book Reading
Monday, February 29: Master Choon-Ok Jade Harmon will be doing a book reading of “The Iron Butterfly: Memoir of a Martial Arts Master” from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Student Center South Skyline Room 223.
The event is sponsored by Center for Students with DisABILITIES and Adaptive Athletics.
Dance Fusion
Thursday March 3: DJ Drewskii will be hosting a Dance Fusion event from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Student Center South in the Houston Room. There will be East Coast Swing, Belly Dancing and Salsa dancing with dance lessons provided during the first 45 minutes. Attendees will also be provided free t-shirts, pizza and beverages.
For the full list of events and programs this week, visit uh.edu/cdi.
