APRIL 2023
Darkness Into Life Exhibit
Monday, April 3-28 | Intercultural Diversity Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty & Staff, UA System
This monthlong exhibit in observance of Yom HaShoah features the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center’s Darkness Into Life exhibit, which offers a glimpse into the private memories of 20 Alabama Holocaust survivors, revealing stories of childhoods past, lost family and friends, despair and sadness, cruelty beyond belief, bravery, the joys of liberation, and new lives in Alabama. Through bold and thought-provoking images accompanied by educational narratives, visitors can gain a richer understanding of the history of the Holocaust and its impact on these individuals and their families. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Diversity Coffee and Conversations
Tuesday, April 4 | 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students, faculty, staff and UA Systems
In support of Holocaust Remembrance, the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host second-generation Holocaust survivor Brenda Hancock for Diversity, Coffee and Conversations. Hancock will discuss the historical context surrounding the Holocaust’s effect on her mother and provide ways to foster understanding while providing a commitment to justice, tolerance, and respect.
Hancock learned the art of storytelling from listening to her mother’s recounting her French Resistance missions. Her grandmother related her memories of “the time. . .” followed by stories of fish raining from the sky or mad dogs chasing them as her grandfather wildly drove the horse and buggy to a distant neighbor in need of help during childbirth, among many other captivating tales. Her first published work was “One of the Lucky Ones,” her mother’s biography that recorded those stories of survival and courage for posterity. Next came “Talent Luck Courage,” which intertwined her mother’s stories with her uncle, Robert Clary, who survived four concentration camps and became the entertainer he always wanted to be. Her following two published works are novels based on her travels to France in “Mischievous Matchmakers” and Korea in “Starting Over.” In addition, she published Little Sparrow, a novel based on her Aunt Helene, who never returned from Auschwitz, Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camp and extermination center. After a 38-year career in education that took her from her home state of Texas to Korea, Missouri, Germany, and Arkansas, Hancock enjoys being creative in her Alabama home. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Recommended readings:
Annual Day Lecture: ‘To be Representative: American Muslim Comedy and the Diversity Complex’
Monday, April 3 | 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. | Camellia Room, Gorgas Library
Hosted by the UA Department of Religious Studies, the annual Day Lecture will be presented by Dr. Samah Choudury, assistant professor in the department of Philosophy and Religion at Ithaca College. The lecture, named in memory of UA graduate Zachary Daniel Day, is devoted to the study of religion and popular culture based on Day’s interest in the intersection of music, art, videos, gaming and literature.
Cinnamon Rolls Not Gender Roles
Tuesday, April 4, 11, 18, 25 | 1 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students
The Safe Zone Resource Center hosts its weekly Cinnamon Rolls not Gender Roles program for individuals of all identities to come together, eat pastries, and discuss topics concerning gender identity and performance in our current culture and climate. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Study Abroad Pop-Up Advising
Tuesday, April 4, 11, 18 | 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students
Capstone International Center hosts weekly information sessions on studying abroad. These sessions provide advising about the overall process and timeline for studying abroad, dispelling myths about Education Abroad, and program searching. For more information, please contact the Study Abroad office at studyabroad@ua.edu.
Combatting Imposter Syndrome and Building Self-Confidence
Wednesday, April 5 | noon-1 p.m. | Virtual
Many people experience Imposter Syndrome, the internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. As a part of their Mental Health Brown Bag series, UA Health Promotion and Wellness in collaboration with the Office of Disability Services will examine Impostor Syndrome: what it is, how it can limit your possibilities and the strategies you can use to overcome it. Learn what you can do about feelings of inadequacy, including talking openly about it with peers, rooting positive thoughts, building confidence, assessing the reality of your situation, and countering negative self-talk.
Students should RSVP at The Source event calendar. Any student that attends will be marked for attendance, which adds to their campus engagement record.
Faculty and staff are not required to register and may join the conversation by Zoom.
Bystander Intervention Training
Wednesday, April 5 | 5 p.m.-7 p.m. | 119 Lloyd Hall
Join the Women and Gender Resource Center for an interpersonal violence focused bystander intervention training as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Learn about interpersonal violence, identity bystander intervention strategies, talk through case scenarios as a group, and practice interventions.
Section 504 50th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, April 6 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty, Staff & UA System
The UA Office of Disability Services will host a lunch and learn celebration for the 50th Anniversary of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a law that prohibits any institution receiving federal financial assistance from discriminating against people with disabilities and requires educational access to programs and services. Universities may not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, or treatment of students, and must provide accommodations to enable students to fully participate in educational programs and activities. Participants will learn about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, including the protections it offers and its impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. We also will discuss issues of access and equity that remain unaddressed.
This program includes a keynote address and panel discussion. The keynote presentation will be given by published author and renowned presenter Dr. Nirmala Erevelles, professor of Educational Leadership with a focus on social and cultural studies in the College of Education. Her scholarship is informed by disability studies, critical race theory, and post-colonial theory. The panel will include Dr. Megan Davis, assistant professor and director of the UA Autism Spectrum Disorder College Transition and Support Program; Brittany Gregg, assistant director of the Office of Disability Services; and Dr. Kagendo Mutua, professor of special education and director of the UA CrossingPoints Transition Program. Lunch will be provided for those who register in advance. For more information, contact the Office of Disability Services at ods@ua.edu.
Learn more about Section 504 at 50.
International Asexuality Day
Thursday, April 6 | 3 p.m.-4 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students
For International Asexuality Day, Safe Zone Resource Center will have information on asexuality and asexual pride pins available in the Safe Zone Lounge throughout the day. The drop-in event promotes asexuality awareness and allows students, faculty and staff with asexual identities to see their identities celebrated. To wrap up the day, Safe Zone staff will host a discussion on the nuances of asexuality from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Safe Zone Student Lounge. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Rainbow Connection
Friday, April 7, 14, 21 | 2 p.m.-3 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students
Safe Zone Resource Center will host Rainbow Connection, its weekly support and dialogue group for LGBTQIA+ identified students and their allies. This group provides an opportunity to form supportive friendships with other group members, learn resilience skills and strategies for self-care, and set personal goals. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Michael C. Thorpe: Nonsensical Formalism Artist’s Reception
Friday, April 7 | 5 p.m.-8 p.m. | Paul R. Jones Museum
Exhibit runs through April 28 | Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; First Friday, noon-8 p.m. | Paul R. Jones Museum, 2308 Sixth St., Tuscaloosa
Brooklyn, New York-based textile artist Michael C. Thorpe creates art quilts and fabric collages of bright, dreamlike scenes and highly personal “meandering thoughts,” as one of his early solo shows was titled. For Thorpe, the quilt has become a canvas for dreaming up alternate pasts and exploring potential futures. The young artist sold all 18 pieces at his first solo exhibition in 2020. Daniel White, director of the Paul R. Jones Museum, who organized the exhibition, said, “Working from a deeply personal narrative, Thorpe brings a fresh voice to an age-old tradition, and he is breaking new ground visually with the medium. As the Gee’s Bend Quilters took their work to the Whitney Museum in 2003 and elevated quilts beyond their craft identity, a new generation of textile artist brings his work back to the Alabama Black Belt. Thorpe’s work brings the Southern quilt tradition full circle as we celebrate how that tradition inspires contemporary artists working today.” Thorpe is represented by LaiSun Keane Gallery, Boston, Massachusetts. Nonsensical Formalism has been made possible by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Crimson Culture Gala
Saturday, April 8 | 5 p.m.-7 p.m. | Student Center Ballroom
Join the International Student Association for an evening of music, dance, food and more during this annual event. Different campus cultural organizations will showcase their cultures and traditions. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.
Remembering the Holocaust
Monday, April 10 | 6 p.m., speaker | Student Center Theatre
Monday, April 10 | 7p.m.-8:30 p.m., Darkness into Life exhibit viewing/reception | Intercultural Diversity Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to Community, UA Students, Faculty, Staff, and UA Systems
Bama Hillel and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host a special program to celebrate the lives of those lost during the Holocaust. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from second-generation Holocaust survivor Esther Levy. She will share the detailed life experiences of her mother Tobi Kamornik Gerson. Levy also will focus on the importance of learning history, in strategies that promote allyship. Light refreshments provided. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
TEDTalk Tuesday: ‘Arab Feminism: Concepts of Both Arab Culture and Feminism’
Tuesday, April 11 | noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty, Staff, & UA Systems
In recognition of National Arab American Heritage Month, the Intercultural Diversity Center continues its TEDTalk Tuesday Series by featuring Nadine Naber. This award-winning author, public speaker and activist inspires viewers to imagine what Arab feminism can offer to anyone interested. Naber’s talk illustrates how stereotypical understandings of the concepts of both “Arab culture” and “feminism” lead many people to believe that Arab feminism is an oxymoron. Participants will learn a new framework that allows people not only to understand that Arab feminism exists, but also the many kinds of “Arab feminism.” For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Wheel of Fortune Game Night
Tuesday, April 11 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students
In collaboration with the Theta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Intercultural Diversity Center will host a Wheel of Fortune Game Night with a focus on culture, testing participants on their knowledge civic engagement and learning about the importance of philanthropic work within the community. In addition, the Theta Sigma Chapter is accepting book donations for The House Tuscaloosa which exists to promote and develop literacy in Tuscaloosa’s West End Community in three areas: educational, musical and spiritual. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Tuscaloosa Takes on the World
April 11 and 20 | 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. | Yellowhammer Room, Gorgas Library
Tuscaloosa Takes on the World will host two roundtable discussions this month. Pizza and soft drinks will be provided. The event is sponsored by the UA Department of Political Science.
“The Content of Their Character? College Admissions and Affirmative Action before the Supreme Court,” Tuesday, April 11: The discussion will cover two affirmative action cases tied to college admissions currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. Drs. Joe Smith, Allen Linken, and Christine Field, all UA professors, will lay out the key conceptual, legal and historical-contextual arguments, and answer questions.
“Felony Disenfranchisement and the Politics of Voting Rights,” Thursday, April 20: This roundtable will focus on the politics of felony disenfranchisement and voting rights. Led and organized by Dr. Richard Fording, participants include Dr. Bridgett King of Auburn and Sara Carter of the Brennan Center for Justice.
National Deaf History Month Presentation
Wednesday, April 12 | noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty, Staff & UA Systems
The Intercultural Diversity Center presents a special presentation for National Deaf History Month. The National Association of the Deaf acknowledges the month of April as National Deaf History Month to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of people who are deaf and those who are hard of hearing and raises awareness for the Deaf community. This presentation highlights the National Association of the Deaf, Deaf history and facts, and local and national resources. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Day of Silence
Thursday, April 13 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Education Engagement)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty & Staff, UA System
Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies all around the country and the world take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools. Safe Zone Resource Center will be providing participants with printed Day of Silence cards that outline why they are taking the vow of silence for the day. The annual event allows the community to shine a light on the discrimination that LGBTQ+ students face and will allow the UA community to show support for those students. For more information, contact Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
An Evening with Alabama Poet Laureate Ashley M. Jones
Thursday, April 13 | 7 p.m. | Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center
Ashley M. Jones, Poet Laureate of the state of Alabama (2022-2026), will read a selection of her work and answer audience questions. She received an MFA in Poetry from Florida International University, where she was a John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fellow. Her debut poetry collection, Magic City Gospel, was published by Hub City Press in January 2017, and it won the silver medal in poetry in the 2017 Independent Publishers Book Awards. Her second book, dark // thing, won the 2018 Lena-Miles Wever Todd Prize for Poetry from Pleiades Press. Her third collection, REPARATIONS NOW! was published in Fall 2021 from Hub City Press. She currently lives in Birmingham, Alabama. Copies of her books will be available for purchase and signing. This event, hosted by the UA English Department’s Creative Writing Program, is free and open to the public.
Multi-Cultural Coffee Hour
Friday, April 14, 21| 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty & Staff, UA System
International Student and Scholar Services and the Intercultural Diversity Center host weekly coffee hours for students, faculty and staff to enjoy free coffee, tea, snacks and conversation with others from around the world. For more information, contact International Student and Scholar Services’ Sonya Harwood-Johnson at sonya.harwood@ua.edu.
Lavender Graduation
Monday, April 17 | 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. | Student Center Ballroom
(Cultural Exploration/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty & Staff, UA System
Lavender Graduation Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ graduates. Guests can recognize and honor LGBTQIA+ student success and learn about the LGBTQIA+ community and achievements at UA. This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Adam Brooks, associate professor in the UA College of Communication and Information Sciences and director of The Speaking Studio. He will focus on finding purpose and fulfillment post-graduation. Refreshments will be provided post-ceremony. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Take Back the Night Rally, March and Vigil
Tuesday, April 18 | 6:30 p.m. | The Quad near Denny Chimes
Take Back the Night is an international rally and march that is organized in local communities with the purpose of unifying communities to take a stand against interpersonal violence. Here at UA, the event will include a few speakers who will read poems, statements, and calls to action. Then the attendees will participate in a march on the Quad, holding posters and chanting. The event will close out with a candlelight vigil to honor sexual assault survivors.
Coffee & Mental Health
Wednesday, April 19 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty & Staff, UA System
The Intercultural Diversity Center and UA Counseling Center host Coffee and Mental Health where participants have an opportunity to speak with therapists in a one-on-one setting. The program provides an environment for participants to ask questions, get to know the UA therapists and learn about counseling as a student resource. In addition, the program will offer a space for guests to learn about the many mental wellbeing resources the counseling center has and ways they can connect with the counseling center. Coffee and Mental Health occurs monthly on third Wednesdays. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
AAPI Month: Helen Zia Virtual Keynote
Wednesday, April 19 | 6 p.m. | Virtual
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA Students, Faculty & Staff, UA System
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host Helen Zia for a special keynote presentation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Zia, a Fulbright Scholar and a graduate of Princeton University’s first coeducational class, has been outspoken on topics ranging from human rights and peace to women’s rights and countering hate, violence and homophobia. She received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of San Francisco and an honorary Doctor of Laws from the City University of New York Law School for bringing important matters of law and civil rights into public view. She attended medical school but quit after completing two years, then went to work as a construction laborer, an autoworker, and a community organizer, after which she discovered her life’s work as a writer. Participants can register to attend this virtual keynote. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Sexual Citizens Panel Discussion
Thursday, April 20 | 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. | 2408 Student Center
Join Dr. Eric Goodcase, Dr. Catherine Roach, Dr. Tiffany Marcantonio, and Shannon Welch LICSW as we talk about the concepts featured in the book Sexual Citizens: Sex Power, and Assault on Campus by Jennifer Hirsch and Shamus Kahn. Panelists will discuss how we can apply these concepts to our campus community.
Study Break
Thursday, April 20 | 6 p.m.-8 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center, 2100 Student Center
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students
The Intercultural Diversity Center, Kappa Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, UA Counseling Center, and Alabama Rocketry Association, will host this event to provide guests an opportunity to learn about study resources, time management approaches and maintaining positive mental health during exam season. Refreshments will be provided while supplies last. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Fun in the Sun Day
Thursday, April 20 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Student Center Lawn
(Cultural Exploration/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA Students
Safe Zone Resource Center will host Fun in the Sun Day as a way for participants to connect, bond and de-stress before final exams. This event will feature ways for guests to learn about the Safe Zone Resource Center’s services and mission and offer information on how to cope with stress. The event includes catered food, yard games, music and giveaways. For more information, contact Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Ally Training Program
Monday, April 24 | 9 a.m.-11 a.m. | Virtual
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to all UA Students, Faculty, Staff & UA System
The UA Safe Zone Ally Training Program provides a visible network of allies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual individuals. Safe Zone Allies distribute information regarding sexuality, gender identity, campus and community resources, and methods for reporting harassment and/or discrimination. The program is a two-hour training session that allows participants to: develop a working knowledge of appropriate and respectful LGBTQIA+ terminology; recognize the impact that campus climate has on individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+; and identify areas of personal growth as a member of the UA community. Following the training, participants are invited to sign up to serve as UA Safe Zone Allies. Registration is required. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at 205-348-7297 or safezone@ua.edu.
Lunch and Learn: LGBTQIA+ in American Sign Language
Wednesday, April 26 | noon-1 p.m. | 2408 Student Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to all UA Students, Faculty, Staff & UA System
Safe Zone Resource Center will host a panel discussion featuring the experiences of LGBTQIA+ deaf individuals. For this event, Safe Zone will partner with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind to share some experiences of LGBTQIA+ deaf individuals. A catered lunch will be provided. Register for this event. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
EveryStudent Book Club: ‘Sexual Citizens: Sex, Power, and Assault’
Wednesday, April 26 | 1 p.m.-2 p.m. | Tutwiler HRC Office
Whether you attend the panel discussion on April 20 or not, students are invited to join WGRC for the EveryStudent Book Club discussion of “Sexual Citizens: Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus.”
EveryWoman Book Club: ‘Know My Name’
Thursday, April 27 | noon-1 p.m. | Legend’s Bistro, Hotel Capstone
EveryWoman Book Club will read and discuss Chanel Miller’s “Know My Name.” The book club, which has been meeting for nearly 20 years, is open to staff, faculty, graduate students, and community members. Join the book club email list.
Dance Alabama: #SICKMOVES
Saturday, April 29 | 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. | UA Dance Theatre
#SICKMOVES is produced by the student-led organization, Dance Alabama!, which provides opportunities for choreographic works to be presented to a live audience, while also promoting a positive and inclusive environment. #SICKMOVES aligns with this goal by allowing both dance majors and non-dance majors to choreograph and perform work. This concert presents original works in a variety of styles choreographed by students who share a love of dance. Throughout the concert, audience members will witness the versatility and well-roundedness of the student choreographers and dancers. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online anytime.