Black History Month: diversity in action
By Elizabeth Cotton
Staff Writer

Students have the opportunity to experience the traditions of other cultures and learn about diversity this February without leaving Albion's campus.

Various student organizations will be putting on special events in honor of Black History Month. The main goal of these events is to promote diversity awareness so students can understand and appreciate it. Latrina Denson, Associate Director for Organizations, said that diversity awareness is important because it does not solely affect one person.

"Diversity affects everyone, especially multicultural students," Denson said. "From talking to them [I've learned] they feel that a lot people aren't aware of their differences and similarities. Their happiness affects whether or not they will continue to stay at Albion."

Denson said it is also important to promote diversity awareness so the college community members can learn to respect each other.

According to Chandra Thomas, Pontiac senior and Umbrella Group president, the administration has made a commitment to diversity. Thomas said that the Umbrella Group therefore made a commitment to diversity. "We put on a lot of programming not just to help people learn tolerance but appreciation," Thomas said. "We put on many activities because if we want diversity on campus we have to have it here. It's a cycle, if it's not here no one is going to come, and if it is here they will come."

"We will be assisting Alpha Kappa Alpha in putting on the speaker, Laurence C. Ross Jr., who is the author of the novel called "The Divine Nine" which traces the history of the nine black sororities and fraternities and what their Greek life is about," Thomas said. "We will have various movies sponsored by Union Board with African American actors in leading roles. We also have a poet, Staceyann Chin."

Black Student Alliance is also planning events to help promote diversity awareness.

"BSA seeks to educate other cultures on the differences that may exist," said Salina Baldwin, Detroit sophomore and BSA President. "This is done by embracing other diverse groups and welcoming all, regardless of race, gender, ethnic background, sexuality, age, or religion." BSA is sponsoring an event called Taste of Blackness, which is their annual event held in February. The event is a celebration of African American history featuring entrees, desserts, and entertainment.

Thomas said that when it comes to diversity, it is important to remember that it is not something to be afraid of. "Diversity is more than the difference in the color of our skin, the way we pray, and who we choose to love. Differences are more than just the obvious. Don't be afraid of it because we are all diverse in our own way."