The James Farmer Multicultural Center is gearing up for its 25th Annual Multicultural Fair on Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at UMW’s Fredericksburg Campus.

The Multicultural Fair is one of the University of Mary Washington’s long-standing, community-wide events and the James Farmer Multicultural Center’s signature cultural event. The Multicultural Fair celebrates cultural diversity by featuring craft and food vendors and performers who represent a broad range of cultural groups and cultural traditions. The Multicultural Fair also features children’s performances, activities, and attractions. Annually, the Multicultural Fair attracts thousands (between 5,000 and 6,000) of UMW student and staff members and community members from surrounding counties and regions.

This year will commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Multicultural Fair, which began in 1990. There will be an excellent line-up of over 40 multicultural performances and over 50 vendors selling a wide range of cultural items including jewelry, accessories, t-shirts, tapestries, art, personal care items and more.

For more information about the 25th Annual Multicultural Fair, go to the James Farmer Multicultural Center’s website at students.umw.edu/multicultural, or call the Multicultural Center at 540-654-1044. Follow the Multicultural Fair on social media at #UMWMultiFair.

JFMC Human Rights Film Series Presents: “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock”

Wednesday, Feb. 18 | 6 p.m. | Room 412, Lee Hall room 412

Sharon La Cruise’s “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock” details the life of the incredibly influential but largely forgotten civil rights activist, Daisy Bates.

Monday, Feb. 16 |4 – 6 p.m. | room 414, Lee Hall

Sponsored by Feminists United on Campus and Virginia Organizing

This workshop will engage participants in learning about and discussing personal, cultural, and institutional racism. Participants will learn how to become allies and advocates for combating racism.

On Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 2 to 3 p.m. in Lee Hall, Room 412, the James Farmer Multicultural Center and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion will host a webinar titled:

White Privilege: How It Undermines Our Best Efforts to Diversify and Be Inclusive

Ever notice that despite best intentions and thoughtful planning, efforts to create inclusive and diverse campus communities often fall short of expectations? Have you begun an initiative with high hopes for change only to have them give way to frustration and discouragement? Join this Diverse Webinar, White Privilege: How It Undermines Our Best Efforts to Diversify and Be Inclusive, where we’ll examine the historical patterns and impacts entangled in white supremacy, white privilege, and other forms of oppression. We’ll explore how they show up in our thoughts, interactions, institutions, and cultural practices — creating divisive environments and outcomes despite best intentions. We’ll explore conversational tactics that deepen understanding and engagement especially when viewpoints differ and tensions run high.

Christine Chavez once heard her grandfather, Cesar Chavez, say, “We don’t need perfect political systems; we need perfect participation.” Taking it to heart, she has mastered modern-day campaigning and community organizing. She is the farmworker coordinator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and formerly was the United Farm Workers’ political director. Latina Magazine recently named Chavez one of its top Latinas for her longtime involvement with civil rights issues, particularly her work on marriage equality. She will be giving a keynote address entitled “Cesar Chavez: the Past and Current Struggle for Hispanic Americans” on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 7 pm in Lee Hall, room 411.