Dr. Cordell Black

If you saw the Diamondback this morning, you saw the articles about the possible closing of diversity offices on campus and the possible termination of Dr. Cordell Black. Now it appears that it will just be a radical restructuring of responsibilities, and that Dr. Black will be returning. While there have been many rumors flying around about all of this, this situation still reflects how important diversity on our campus is--hundreds of students are reported to be attending an emergency meeting to discuss the situation tonight. 

If you want to attend the meeting, it's from 6-8 pm tonight in the Nyumburu Cultural Center (if you're facing the front of Stamp, it's to the left). Even if you're not sure about what's happening, the meeting's a great place to learn about these issues and to separate fact from fiction. Check out the facebook event for more info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168255853162&index=1

Unfortunately I can't make it tonight, but if you go, please comment on this entry so that we can all hear what you thought of it! And look at tomorrow's Diamondback--I'm sure there will be media coverage of this meeting. 

-Nehama

What is the What?

I first heard of What is the What? by Dave Eggers when I spent time in India two years ago. Each of the people in my group brought a few books and we spent the summer passing them around. There wasn't much to do right in the middle of the day when it got unbearably hot and no one was outside, so we had the opportunity to read a wide variety of books we might have never otherwise come across. What is the What? was one of the books circulating that summer, and while I yearned to read it, it never made its way into my hands.

Flash forward to this semester, when What is the What? was picked as the First Year Book, and I got a free copy at the First Look Fair. I've been a fan of Eggers for about 6 years (A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius and How We Are Hungry are both amazing!), so I immediately delved into the book, and was incredibly surprised by so many things in it. For those of you who haven't read it yet, I won't give anything away, but it's an combination of incredible stories organized in a moving and unique way. Eggers chronicles the story of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. 

I actually haven't finished the book yet because I've found that I need some time between each spurt of reading to digest the words and fully understand and appreciate Deng's story. I'm almost done with it though, which is great timing since Eggers and Deng will both be on campus together this Thursday! They will be speaking from 5:30 pm to 7 pm in Tydings 0130. Long lines are anticipated (personally, I think they should have rented out Cole for this--everyone should be there!), so get there early! It is sure to be a moving speech, and if it is anything like the book it will be unlike anything you've ever experienced before. 

I hope to see you there!

MARCH THE VOTE!

It's unfortunate that as a society it has taken us this long to realize that what we do today impacts our earth in serious ways and all of those who will be living in it in the future.  I know that I don't want my children to live in a world with little trees and clean air to breathe. Global warming and rising sea levels are very serious matters.  With an ever growing population we can't afford to wait to change our habits.  We aren't talking about returning to the era of the caveman, but being conscious about your impact on the earth. What we do does make a difference.

On Novemeber 3 at 5p UMD students will meet at the sundial on McKeldin Mall to rally around electing pro-environment city council candidates. It is important to take steps both individually and collectively. While what we do as individuals is of great importance helping to make policy changes helps to speed the process up.

Let's prove that we are not a generation of apathetic youths!

March it.. click for more info!

..and have a happy and safe Halloween!(Remember Sunday 2a is Daylight Savings)

Impact your Thursday!

Hey guys,

There are 2 awesome things happening today that you should make room for in your schedule: APO's Blood Drive, and JSAC's Trick or Treat for Cans. Each will only take 1-2 hours of your time and be especially helpful. I find that sometimes the small things are what mean the most to me. Taking off a week to rebuild homes in New Orleans is obviously great, but that's not something that can occur on a regular basis. Incorporating the small things like these into your live on a regular basis allows you to truly make social justice work something that is intertwined into everything else. You'll start making connection between the work and your academics, friendships, and everything else. 

Well, here goes!

Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a co-ed community service fraternity, is sponsoring a blood drive today. Did you know that about 1000 units of blood are needed by people EVERY day? Or that 25% of those are used by cancer patients? However, even with that drastic need, only 3 out of 100 people donate blood. Sign up for today's drive and change that number! 

https://www.membersforlife.org/rccm/mobilesch/login.php, enter the sponsor code of 13160. Also, you can try to drop-in and see if there's a spot. It's from 11 am-5 pm in the Stamp Atrium. 

And if you're looking to infuse something awesome into your Thursday night, go to Jewish Social Action Committee (JSAC)'s Trick or Treat for Cans. Every year, they go into nearby neighborhoods to trick or treat, but instead of accepting candy, they ask for canned food donations. The donations go to the Capital Area Food Bank. In a time of economic uncertainty, food donations are critical right now. Many food banks across the nation have empty shelves and people of all ages and backgrounds are going hungry as a result. Going to this event helps get more food to people who need it, and you'll also have fun. Costumes are encouraged. For more details about the event, visit the FB event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158669406579&index=1.

I hope you can Impact your Thursday! Do one or two small things and make a HUGE difference!

-Nehama

American Indian Heritage Month

I can't believe that November is upon us! With November comes the celebration of American Indian Heritage Month.

Some people ask why it's necessary to have these months dedicated to certain groups of people, for example Black History month or Latino Heritage month. While I think it's true that every day we should celebrate all people and their advances, these minority groups often go unoticed by society at large. These months of celebration are a time for people to be able tell their stories.  It's a time for learning and reflection.

The stories of Native Americans are often unheard.  People wouldn't even think of all of the injustices that are faced by the indigenous.  It's important to acknowledge history and to learn from it and move forward towards a better future.

The U.S. is an amazing place because of its diversity.  While there may be very serious racial issues and a long way to go there is the opportunity to learn from our neighbor's culture in order to gain a better understanding and repect for one another.

There is a calendar of events with all of the activities going on next month through MICA (Multicultural Involvement and Advocacy). Exciting stuff!

I hope to see you at some these events :)

-Sasha