Diversity and Inclusion Spoken Word Poetry

On February 25, 2015, The Office of Diversity & Inclusion presented Spoken Word Poetry  to celebrate Black History Month. This even was held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the TSC Ballroom A. Slam artists Michael Guinn, MasterPiece and Christopher Micahel. Michael Guinn, founder of the Fort Worth National Poetry Slams, was the Master of Ceremonies for this event.

According to the Smithsonian Folkways,   Spoken Word Poetry has a history within the African-American culture. Slam artists used this art form to express issues of social injustice and retain their identity through oral tradition.

Prior to the performances for spoken word, an open mic segment was held. Students were encouraged to present original pieces of recite works of art. Students recited song lyrics, performed songs, and poems.



To learn more about this event, please contact the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at diversity@tarleton.edu.

The Vagina Monologues

On February 13^th and 14^th, 2015, “ The Vagina Monologues” was directed by Prairie Endres-Parnell and performed by volunteers and members of the Tarleton Gay-Straight Alliance. The Office of Diversity & Inclusion co-sponsored this event.

 

The Vagina Monologues began as a play in New York City created by Eve Ensler in 1996. The play features accounts of rape, birth, sexual experiences, menstruation, orgasm, transexualism, and misconceptions about the vagina. This play inspired the creation of "V-Day", a movement to end violence against women.This year, the GSA incorporated a video showing the “One Billion Rising” movement, which was also started by Eve Ensler. This global dancing event  raises awareness of the United Nations statistic that 1 in 3 women (1 billion women globally) will be raped or beaten in her lifetime.  In addition, a Men’s Prayer was included in the beginning and performed as a pledge by men to restrain from violence against women.

Funds raised by the ticket sales as well as the items sold during the silent auction were donated to Cross Timber Family Services, which provides support to those who have been victims of violence. Over $400 was donated to help this organization.

 

More information about V day can be found at http://www.vday.org/.

 

 

 

 

Multicultural Ambassadors: Tarrant Area Food Bank

Multicultural Ambassadors: Tarrant Area Food Bank

On February 7^th, 2015, the Tarleton Multicultural Ambassadors traveled to Fort Worth to donate their time to the Tarrant Area Food Bank. These ten students sorted through donated foods as quality control and packed boxes of food to be distributed throughout twelve Texas counties. Among all households served by the Tarrant Area Food Bank network, 52% must choose between food and utilities, and 39% must choose between medical care and groceries (2014). The food bank provides meals for whole families, helping to ease the struggles of those in need. The food bank never does it alone, having volunteers multiple times a week for various hours sorting, packing, and distributing food across Texas.

After serving countless families in need, the ambassadors furthered their education at the food bank on hunger, resources to combat hunger, and how to support those in need. At the conclusion of the event, the ambassadors expressed their gratitude for programs such as these and left feeling empowered by the work they did. The Multicultural Ambassadors strive to understand and promote diversity so they can take action to make a difference in the lives of others.

(2014). North Texas faces of hunger. Tarrant Area Food Bank. Retrieved from: http://tafb.org/faces-hunger.html.

Soul Fest: An Exploration of Food, Music and Culture

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion presented “Soul Fest: An Exploration of Food, Music & Culture” on February 4^th, 2015. This event was presented in honor of Black History Month.

Students were given the opportunity to learn about and taste traditional African-American foods such as collard greens, smothered pork chops, candied yams and black-eyed peas.

 Each food item was presented with a description of the history behind the food and its significance in African-American culture.Popular songs from the 1960s and 1970s were played during the event to celebrate the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s and Black Power Era of the early 1970s. During this time, many African American musicians, (such as James Brown) incorporated civil rights values into their songs, ultimately building a connection between music and politics.

In addition to music, quilts made from African cotton were on display. These quilts were made by   Peggy DeLavergne, President of the Town N' Country Quilt Guild Threads of Texas. The Office of Diversity & Inclusion was honored to host this event.

For more information about this event, please contact the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at diversitytsu@gmail.com or
(254) 968-9488.