During a time of great turmoil in many corners of the world, ETSU has placed a heavy emphasis on the importance of unity and civility in the spring semester.
From a week lined with events and guest speakers centered around civility in late March, to the Unity Fest hosted April 6 in the University Commons, the topic of discussion is highlighted in spreading cohesion and understanding to the students of East Tennessee State University. From 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., multicultural differences were celebrated over live music, food, finger painting, calligraphy, and many other activities that attracted a crowd of excited students and faculty ready to engage with cultural practices.
As an event coordinated by the Mary V. Jordan Multicultural Center, the day was filled with fun, entertainment, giveaways, novelties, interactive games and a variety of cultural foods open to all individuals wishing to attend.
Since its opening in 2016, the Multicultural Center, located on the 2nd floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center, has provided students of all cultural backgrounds with educational support programs and services, a place to congregate and meet new individuals, bestow opportunities to discuss issues that affect their lives, and many other essential tools that provide aid to the student body.
The Multicultural Center and staff wish to encapsulate the importance of their values that are the underlying foundation of all events hosted from the center here at ETSU. The center is home to many organizations that were present at the Unity Fest, such as the Black Affairs Association, Chinese Student and Scholars Association, Gospel Choir, International Choir, International Student Association, and Shades of Africa.
Based on a presentation from the Multicultural Center, the primary motivations of the Unity Fest and events in similar fashion are to “promote the understanding of human differences and similarities through intercultural dialogue, and collaborative planning with students, faculty, staff, and the community.”
Nearing the end of the semester, the Multicultural Center is still placing heavy emphasis on the celebration of its members and organizations, along with the theme of unity and inclusion here on campus.
To find out more about this semester’s events, or to get involved with the center, please email etsumc@etsu.edu or contact the office at 423-439-4844.
