The Intercultural Center, located on the second floor of the Student Center, is a source of support and guidance for many students of color at Monmouth University. They attempt to, successfully, foster an atmosphere of inclusivity at the university by providing a space and activities for the students. This space is key for communal support and building relationships between staff and students of color.
As for the events, they range from fun social events to academic and informational events that part knowledge necessary for supporting students of color. As part of Black History Month, the Intercultural Center is providing many opportunities for events that uplift and educate us on Black culture, history, and talent. These events are cosponsored or coordinated along with other departments and organizations on campus, such as SGA and the Department of English.
To begin with, Trivia Night was this past Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 9 p.m. via Zoom. The trivia was designed in relation to Black History Month and therefore testing students on their key knowledge about Black culture/history. Because it was via Zoom, it was widely available for students on and off campus. The prizes were given for the top three winners who showed proficiency in information related to Black History Month.
Following the Trivia Night event is “The legacy of Pauli Murray: In the Law & Beyond”, which is a dialogue forum featuring Avatara Smith-Carrington (They/Them) and Barbara Lau (She/Her). Avatara Smith-Carrington is a staff attorney at Lamda Legal and Ms. Barbara Lau is the Executive Director of the Pauli Murray Center. The event will take place Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. via Zoom.
Black Cinema Saturdays are also an entertaining yet educational part of the Intercultural Center’s Black History Month series of events. Beginning Feb. 12, a film Respect: Her Voice Changed Everything will be featured followed by Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom on February 19. The last movie will be on February 26, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. These movies will be available for 24 hours on the dates mentioned above via bit.ly/mybhm22.
Hosted by the Department of English is the annually celebrated Toni Morrison Day, this Feb. 18. The day includes keynote speakers, faculty panels, and even a poetry/digital art competition. By celebrating a key Black figure in the literature field we promote other writers of color to bring their art into fruition.
Joy, Justice and Solidarity are the themes of the Open Mic Night event, which is scheduled take place at 6 p.m. on Feb. 28 in the Student Center. Students will showcase their talents, whether that be poetry, recitation, song, prose, and more. Prizes will also be awarded to top performers. Students can sign up at the event or via bit.ly/muopenmic.
Just as fun is Black History Month Game Night, in partnership with the Student Government Association on campus. It is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 17, at Anacon A in the Student Center at 6 p.m. Prizes will be once again awarded to the winners. For students, the event can serve as a destressor while also serving the community and bringing unity, inclusion, and fun.
Lastly free t-shirts and movie snack packs are available and provided by the Intercultural Center every Friday between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. These snack packs are great additional incentives to come and watch the movies.
The Intercultural Center at Monmouth University is accessible while the Student Center keeps its doors open for students seeking community and support. It serves as a safe space for social entertainment and academic learning, or simply a place for breaks between classes. Overall, it is an essential part of campus for all students but particularly students of color who rely on these spaces to feel included and supported here at Monmouth University. The calendar with further information on dates and locations can be found at bit/ly/MUBHM22.
