What is Diversity?
History of the Diversity Celebration at Appalachian State University
The first Diversity Celebration, with the theme, "Experience the Cultural Confetti," was held on April 22 , 2002. Co-sponsored by the Equity Office and the Office of Multicultural Student Development, the first celebration featured displays, programs, and performances from 21 clubs, organizations, units, departments, and individuals on campus, with several community organizations represented, as well. Dancing, music, storytelling, food, ga mes, prizes, and useful information about the multitude of area cultures were showcased to approximately 400 people who attended the event, held in Crossroads Café and the Multicultural Center of Plemmons Student Union.
The Second Annual Diversity Celebration
April 8, 2003
" The More You Know, The More You Grow - Water the Garden, " was the theme for the 2nd Annual Diversity Celebration at Appalachian State University, held Tuesday, April 8, 2003, in Plemmons Student Union. Performances, presentations, exhibits, and refreshments were offered continuously from 3:00-8:30 pm in five venues: Crossroads Coffeehouse, Grandfather Ballroom, the Multicultural Center , Cascades Cafe, and the Roan Mountain Room.
This event was free, open to the public, and presented a huge variety of culturally enriching and entertaining experiences for people of all ages. Performers, presenters, and exhibitors from the campus community, the High Country, the Piedmont, and even as far away as Florida, were led by headliners Todd Wright, jazz musician, Orville Hicks and Hawk Hurst, storytellers, the ASU Gospel Choir, Mariachi 2000, the Eagle Feather Native American Dance Troupe, and African musician, poet, and drummer, Madafo.
In addition, there were 26 performances by on campus groups, as well as 23 booths and exhibits, plus an abundance of ethnic food from a host of local restaurants and student organizations.
It was estimated that 1500 individuals attended the second annual Diversity Celebration at Appalachian. Because of the undeniable value of the event to the university and the community, Chancellor Harvey Durham earmarked $5000 from the Office of Academic Affairs for the 2004 celebration, at a request from Dr. Harry Williams, associate vice chancellor for diversity.
The Third Annual Diversity Celebration
April 6, 2004
On Tuesday, April 6, from 3:00-9:00 p.m., in Plemmons Student Union, a banquet of music and dance, craft enrichment workshops, educational exhibits, lectures and presentations, all complemented by an array of ethnic foods, was enjoyed by more than 3000 people at the Third Annual Diversity Celebration. With headliner acts including the ASU Gospel Choir, bluegrass band Diana and the Vintage Boys, Mi Tierra Mariachi band, hip-hop rap artist Jozeemo, Irish folk ensemble Sunday's Well, reggae band Dub Access, Cherokee storyteller and Elder Freeman Owle, the Steely Pan steel drum band, Native American child dancer Summer Brook Courtney Jones, and Appalachian storyteller Orville Hicks, this event appealed to people of all ages and presented a perfect outing for families, student groups, and church and community organizations
In a festive setting, and again with the theme, "The More You Know, the More You Grow - Water the Garden," this event uniquely demonstrates Appalachian State University's commitment to celebrate diversity in all its aspects. Last year's celebration attracted a crowd of 1500 and featured more than forty performers and presenters. This year's culture-fest promises to be even more extravagant in its offerings, with music from bagpipers to bluegrass and rap to reggae, dance from Capoeira to the Cajun two-step, storytelling from African to Appalachian, and finger foods from Mexican to Middle Eastern.
