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Diversity Celebration unites cross-country cultures |
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Monday, 07 April 2008 |
 | Tashakkori
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by BRANDON BROWN
News Reporter
Musicians, performers, artisans and visitors from on and off the mountain will convene today from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Plemmons Student Union at Appalachian State University to represent and learn about different cultures as part of the seventh annual Diversity Celebration.
The 12th annual Unity Festival, which is held in the Blue Ridge Ballroom of the student union, is included within the Diversity Celebration for the third consecutive time, offering family-friendly cultural activities from Asia, Africa, North America, Europe, and Australia.
“[The Diversity Celebration] is a reflection – in one day – of the dimension of commitment that
Appalachian has to diversity all of the time,” said Susan H. King, co-chair of the Diversity Celebration
planning committee. “It’s a culmination and a celebration and also a locking point – a great connector
to the community.”
Students are likely to encounter many different cultural performances in the student union today, as
events are located in nearly every ballroom, coffee house and gathering place in the building.
The Hispanic Student Association, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, is teaching salsa
lessons at 6:30 p.m. in Whitewater Lounge as part of the Diversity Celebration.
“Diversity is a huge part of why we are even a club,” said Amanda L. Rodriguez, senior graphic design
major and president of the Hispanic Student Association. “[The Diversity Celebration] really has the
same goal [as the club].
In light of the Diversity Celebration, the Hispanic Student Association is hosting an international ball
Friday.
The second annual People of the Planet Soccer Tournament was held at Kidd Brewer Stadium Sunday
as part of the Diversity Celebration.
Players from more than 30 countries played on two international teams and two United States teams
called Fire, Space, Water, and Earth.
Four children’s teams also played, and children carried small flags with each of the players during the
introductions.
Computer science professor Dr. Rahman Tashakkori is the tournament coordinator and coached the
Space international squad.
“Soccer is the main medium [to learn about] different religions and cultures,” Tashakkori said.
An exhibit highlighting food from various locations will be held in Grandfather Mountain Ballroom of the
student union.
King said the food function is a “minimal waste event,” which features utensils made of cornstarch, and
paper cups and lids that are not covered in wax.
“Everything that is involved with the food event can go right back into the earth,” King
said.“[Conservation] is something that we’ve tried to incorporate within the process of our planning. Our
commitment to it has grown each year.”
King said there is a minimal waste workshop within the Unity Festival offering children and parents
access to hands-on instruction.
King said the theme of the Diversity Celebration, “Discover the World in Our Backyard,” exemplifies the
global focus the university and community are attempting to achieve.
“This is a great opportunity to embroider on the message that diversity really represents everything
within us and everything around us,” King said. “There’s such a richness of cultural influence around us
all of the time in the High Country.”
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