Each day of the Multicultural and Inclusion Center’s diversity week at Dixie State University was focused on a specific community to inform, celebrate and recognize the diversity on campus.
Monday: Open mic night
Talents of all kinds were showcased in the Gardner Student Center Ballroom during open mic night. Many different communities came to share their talents. A crowd favorite was when the Native American community played instruments, sang and talked about their culture. Even professors from DSU came to perform.
Kimberly Querales, president of the multicultural and inclusion student association, said, “It was a good way to kick-off the week because throughout the week we’re going to be celebrating different cultures and identities and the diversity that we have here on campus.”
Tuesday: Equality in the workplace
Hazel Sainsbury, Title IX coordinator and director of equity compliance, was the speaker for this event. Sainsbury focused on equality in the workplace and celebrating the community of women.
“I think we need more girls and women to know that they are just as capable as anybody else,” Querales said. “I think it would be really nice if more students could come because it’s super inspiring and motivational.”
Jan Broberg: “Abducted in Plain Sight”
I watched Netflix’s “Abducted in Plain Sight,” and the following night I listened to Jan Broberg, a Santa Clara native, speak in person about her experience. Broberg told her story while also teaching about how important it is for individuals to be individually themselves.
Broberg started by asking the audience, “Do any of you know someone really close to you… in your life that went through some kind of childhood trauma that maybe had to do with sexual abuse or assault?”
She had the audience members who do know someone raise their hands and she said, “that’s like 90% of the people here.”
The Women’s Resource Center was the highlighted group of the day, and Broberg’s firsthand story proves the importance of women taking care of themselves by reporting violence of any kind and finding help through resources like the WRC.
Broberg ended the evening with a question and answer session with the audience which included advice for personal situations. Copies of the book “Stolen Innocence” by Mary Ann Broberg, Jan’s mother, were given to every member of the audience as well.
Wednesday: Taste around the world
Taste around the world is a popular event that is held during diversity week as well as inclusion week. Students, faculty and staff create food from their culture to share with all that attend. Around 15 different tables were set up in the Encampment Mall on campus at noon.
I personally tried foods from the Middle East, Japan, Peru, England, Spain and Brazil. My favorite was called mutabal from the Middle East. It was a blend of eggplant, tahini paste, garlic, salt, lemon, olive oil, parsley, tomato, mint, sumac, yogurt, and pomegranate you dip pita into. It had great flavor and was something I had never tried before.
Thursday: Movie in the Burns
Mike Nelson, assistant director for center of inclusion and belonging, said, “The movie in Burns is unique because it has never been done before… being able to have a movie night in the basketball court with concessions, popcorn and all that is super fun.”
The movie shown was “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” because of the representation of the latino Spider-Man, Miles Morales.
Friday: Lei making
In the Gardner Student Center at noon tables of candy, plastic wrap and curling ribbon were set up to make candy leis. I filled mine with all the chocolate candies I could. This event was laid back and fun for students, faculty and even children.
Rainbow Rave
In partnership with and representing the LGBTQ+ Student Association at DSU, the Rainbow Rave was held in the Atwood Plaza from 9 p.m. until midnight. The theme brought outfits centered around festival gear, rainbow/pride and anything that would glow under blacklight. This bright and colorful celebration was the perfect end to diversity week 2022.
