MAY 2023
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Exhibit
Monday, May 1-31 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center | View the AANHPI Heritage Month Resource Page
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to all UA students, faculty, staff, and UA System
In commemoration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Intercultural Diversity Center will host a monthlong exhibit featuring information on the challenges, contributions and achievements by Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians. In 1978, the U.S. Congress recognized Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week and passed a law expanding the observance to a month in 1990. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. Participants will learn about the creation of AAPI, prominent figures in military, education, art and inventions in use today. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Diversity, Coffee and Conversations
Tuesday, May 2 | 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty, staff and UA System
In support of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host Diversity, Coffee and Conversation. Dr. Nahree Doh, associate director of clinical and outreach services for the UA Counseling Center, and Dr. Hee Yun Lee, will discuss the social, educational, and political aspects facing AAPI communities. Guests will be able to examine the diverse identities within the AAPI community while identifying ways to support and be advocates.
Read more about these presenters.
Visit the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander resource page.
For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Nyansapo Kente Robing Ceremony
Wednesday, May 3 | 5 p.m. | Sellers Auditorium, Bryant Conference Center
(Cultural Exploration/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty, staff, and UA System
The UA Black Faculty and Staff Association Nyansapo Kente robing ceremony was started in the summer of 2016 to promote retention amongst undergraduate and graduate students of color and celebrate their academic accomplishments. In addition, the Kente robing ceremony provides the BSFA community an opportunity to highlight the significance of those students graduating from The University of Alabama.
Nyansapo is a Ghanaian symbol that means intelligence, ingenuity and patience. Kente is a ceremonial cloth used for occasions such as this one.
The event will be streamed live on the BFSA Facebook page.
Hispanic-Latino Graduation Celebration
Thursday, May 4 | 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. | Student Center Ballroom | RSVP
(Cultural Exploration/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty, staff, and UA System
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in partnership with the Hispanic-Latino Association and Latinx Faculty and Staff Association, will host the 2023 Hispanic-Latino Graduation Celebration. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in a supportive and inclusive environment for Hispanic-Latino students to connect with peers, mentors and alumni, and to establish networks for personal and professional growth. Participants will also promote cross-cultural dialogue and understanding by learning about the diversity of Hispanic-Latino cultures, including history, traditions, language, and values. Food will be provided.
Graduating seniors who are participating can submit their information at via Qualtrics.
Faculty, staff and students who plan to attend the event are asked to RSVP.
For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
Teacher Appreciation Week Kickoff
Monday, May 8 | noon-2 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center
(Educational Engagement/Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty, staff, and UA System
In celebration with the National Education Association, the Intercultural Diversity Center honors all future and aspiring educators here at The University of Alabama and surrounding communities for Teacher Appreciation Week May 8-12. The National Education Association believes in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the NEA and its mission, write notes showing their appreciation to educators, participate in conversation starters, and view presentations on how we all can work together in enhancing the public education system in Alabama. Refreshments will be provided while supplies last. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
TEDTalk Tuesday: ‘Not a Stereotype’
Tuesday, May 9 | noon-1 p.m. | Intercultural Diversity Center
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to UA students, faculty, staff, and UA System
The Intercultural Diversity Center continues its TEDTalk Tuesday Series by featuring Canwen Xu. Math wizard and self-proclaimed bad driver, Canwen Xu delivers an insightful talk sharing her story as an Asian American. Participants will learn how she is aiming to break stereotypes all while reaffirming them. For more information, contact the Intercultural Diversity Center at ua_idc@ua.edu.
LGBTQ+ Craft Hour
Tuesday, May 9, 16 and 23 | noon-1 p.m. | Safe Zone Student Lounge, 2418 Student Center
(Social Enrichment)
*Open to UA students, faculty and staff
The Safe Zone Resource Center will host a summer crafting opportunity on most Thursdays in May. This crafting hour will provide a space for building community and sharing stories while learning about the services and mission of the Safe Zone Resource Center as well as the LGBTQIA+ community at UA. Craft supplies will be provided for all attendees. For more information, contact the Safe Zone Resource Center at safezone@ua.edu.
Ally Training Program
Friday, May 19 | 2 p.m.-4 p.m. | Zoom
(Cultural Exploration/Educational Engagement)
*Open to all UA students, faculty, staff, and 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.