Alcorn celebrates diversity during its fourth annual Unity Through Diversity Week

Alcorn celebrates diversity during its fourth annual Unity Through Diversity Week

Alcorn celebrates diversity during its fourth annual Unity Through Diversity Week

Alcorn took time to recognize and embrace each other’s differences during its third annual Unity Through Diversity Week, April 20-25, 2014, participating in a dynamic week of educational programs and activities to celebrate our rich diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding. Special highlights included talks by civil rights veterans honoring the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and a one-woman play on identity entitled "They Call Me Q".

On Friday, April 25, a Mentoring for Inclusion Luncheon was held to culminate the week. “We {Alcorn} are the groundbreakers, the difference makers and the game changers when it comes to diversity and inclusion but really it’s because of everyone in this room,” said Dr. Derek Greenfield, director, Office of Educational Equity and Inclusion at Alcorn.

According to an article published by The Huffington Post, Alcorn is leading a new effort of inclusion and diversity among four-year historically black colleges and universities.

Mississippi State Senator (District 36) Albert Butler ’70 also spoke at the luncheon. “Alcorn is a diverse campus and you can really see the appreciation and acceptance of differences with everyone on campus. It is especially important for the students here to be exposed to different cultures. They will need it as they move forward into this globally diverse world.”

Fatih Ozcan, with the Raindrop Turkish House and Institute of Interfaith Dialogue, shared, “We depend on each other. So, it is important that we be able to understand one another and that starts with opening our minds up to different people.”

“We’re doing great things at Alcorn but realize that there is still plenty more to do,” expressed Dr. Greenfield.

The luncheon concluded with Dr. Greenfield acknowledging two students, senior Audrey Martin and sophomore Idrees Muhammad, for their volunteer efforts with the Office. “Each year I give a scholarship in memory of my father. He provided me with so many amazing opportunities. It’s my blessing to be able to personally give back. Audrey and Idrees really went above and beyond to volunteer throughout the year with the Office of Educational Equity and Inclusion. Anytime that we needed them to do something, they stepped up and demonstrated what diversity and inclusion are truly all about.”