Tag: Culture

Islamic culture and religion has evolved and transformed over the centuries, broadening its traditional principles to become more open and progressive while still maintaining the integrity of its spiritual origins. Over time, events in Islamic culture have enlightened and even contributed to modern society. The Islamic Student Association and James Farmer Multicultural Center invite you to celebrate the vast Islamic culture and discover how it fits in with contemporary Western ideologies and values. Increase your awareness of the many Islamic contributions to the overall achievements of humanity, whether they be technological, ethical, cultural, or moral.

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Henna Night
Monday, November 28
Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center; 5 p.m.

The art of Henna is often thought of as being part of Islamic religion, but, in fact, it is part of its culture. The decorative body art has been in existence longer than Islam and is celebrated by individuals from around the world. Please join the Islamic Student Association as they address the history of Henna in combination with the opportunity to express yourself in utilizing this form of body art.

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Islamic Invention Display
Tuesday, November 29
Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center; 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

While the Dark Ages consumed most of the world, the Islamic Empire carried the light of human civilization. Ranging from India to Spain, the Islamic Empire, from the Caliphates to the Ottoman Empire, were the world’s leaders in technology, medicine, and innovation. Come explore the inventions and discoveries that the Islamic Empire has contributed to the history of the world and modern society.

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Islam And Science: Movie Night
Film and Discussion
Wednesday, November 30
Monroe Hall, Room 116; 6:30 p.m.

Terms like algebra, algorithm and alkali are all Arabic in origin and at the very heart of modern science – there would not be modern mathematics or physics without algebra, computers without algorithms, or chemistry without alkalis. Join Physicist Jim Al-Khalili in a captivating documentary, as he travels through Syria, Iran, Tunisia, and Spain to tell the story of the great leap in scientific knowledge that took place in the Islamic world between the 8th and 14th Centuries.

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Islamic Cultural Banquet
Cultural Awareness Series Keynote Speaker: Imam Yahya Hendi
Thursday, December 1
Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center; 6 p.m.

The Islamic Cultural Banquet offers traditional food, fellowship, and a keynote lecture from Imam Yahya Hendi. Imam Hendi is the Muslim Chaplain at Georgetown University, the first American university to hire a full-time Muslim Chaplain. He has written numerous publications on many topics, including Islam and biomedical ethics, and religion and Islam in the United States. A sought-after speaker, Imam Hendi has presented a multitude of interfaith and general lectures in the U.S., Asia, Africa, Europe, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Australia, and the Middle East over the past 14 years. He has traveled to more than 63 countries and 45 U.S. states for conferences.

Join the UMW Galleries for “Mysteries of The Night Café: Hidden Key to the Spirituality of Vincent Van Gogh,” presented in conjunction with the traveling exhibition Van Gogh, Lichtenstein, Whistler: Masterpieces of World Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The lecture will be held on Sunday, October 30 at 2 p.m. inside Combs Hall, Room 139. Admission is free. However, pre-registration is required to ensure proper seating.

Dr. Cliff Edwards, professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, explores the spirituality of one of the world’s most beloved artists, Vincent Van Gogh, through one of Western art’s most mysterious paintings, The Night Café. Enter the imagination of Van Gogh through the books he read, the art he admired, and the people with whom he identified, and arrive at startling conclusions that include a new and deeply spiritual understanding of a café after midnight and the “night prowlers” who inhabit it.

Please call the Galleries at (540) 654-1013 or e-mail Justine Geiger, Visitor Services Coordinator, at jgeiger@umw.edu to reserve your seats.

This program has been organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is supported by the Paul Mellon Endowment.

STAND OUT! SPEAK UP!

If all people are to get the same opportunities and rights, then everyone must Stand Out! Speak Up! Societal norms seem to be shifting, queer rights and other GLBTTQQIAAP issues are becoming more prevalent in American politics. There have been legal victories, but there’s still a long way to travel on the road to egalitarianism. Join PRISM – People for the Rights of Sexual Minorities – and the James Farmer Multicultural Center to celebrate the courage to stand out and speak up for one’s beliefs and values.

GLBTTQQIAAP Kickoff Celebration
October 19
4-6 p.m., Ball Circle
(Rain location: Great Hall,Woodard Campus Center)

PRISM welcomes the entire campus community to share in a kickoff celebration that fuses food, live music, and fun. Read “PostSecret” style coming-out stories and be inspired by the experiences, struggles, and victories of your peers.

In this corner….. Fight for Your Rights Panel Discussion
October 20
6 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411

Join faculty, staff, and students as they discuss the many issues facing queer students at UMW. Learn about resources and tools that encourage positive change so you’ll be equipped to Speak Up!

PRISM Prom – Rio Carnival
October 22
8 p.m., Great Hall,Woodard Campus Center
Cost: $3
(Formal attire strongly encouraged)

Standing out at the high school prom might have made for a bad memory, but the memorable PRISM Prom can help undo all that. Look great and proudly stand out while you enjoy all the prom’s trappings – music, dancing, photos, and refreshments.

Changing Time, Changing Policies?
Debate on Protected Classes
October 24
6 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411

UMW students debate whether sexual orientation and gender identity should be protected classes in Virginia and whether they should be included in the non-discrimination policies of Virginia’s colleges and universities. Stand out and speak up on the issues that affect your community.

GLBTTQQIAAP Cultural Celebration Keynote Performer: Andrea Gibson
October 26
7 p.m., Lee Hall, Room 411

A powerful live performer, Andrea Gibson is the winner of the 2008 Women’s World Poetry Slam and has placed third in the world on two international poetry slam stages. With Gibson, the personal is political. Her themes deconstruct gender norms, sexuality, class, patriarchy, and white-supremacist capitalist culture.

Queer Film Festival
Featuring Milk and The Birdcage
October 27
6 p.m., Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center
(For mature audiences)

Milk tells the story of American gay rights activist Harvey Milk and his struggles as the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California.

The Birdcage illustrates how standing out and speaking up can be difficult. A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to their son’s request to put up a straight front when his fiancée’s anti-gay, moralistic parents come to call.

Topic of Discussion: What is Social Justice?

Purpose:  Engage students, faculty, and staff to discuss issues of social justice together in an informal setting

When: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 @ 12:00 noon

Where: Woodard Campus Center, Meeting Room 4

Please e-mail Matthew Johnson (mjohns22@umw.edu) to suggest a topic of discussion for future lunches and volunteer to lead a session.

Questions?

Please contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center

(540) 654-1044

Rich in heritage and history, the Latino culture embodies the essence of diversity. As we learn and understand the significant impact this fascinating culture has had within the United States and beyond, our society will begin to understand the unique threads that fuse individuals from an array of backgrounds and interests together into one harmonious celebration of life. Exploring the various ethnicities that personify the Latino culture, the Latino Student Association  and James Farmer Multicultural Center invite you on a journey to travel the world in order to celebrate our heritage and yours!

Kickoff Celebration

Featuring Kevin Davis and Ban Caribe

September 15| 4-6 p.m.| Ball Circle

(Rain location: Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center)

Begin the journey of exploring Latino culture through a celebration that fuses food, live entertainment, and fun. Meet members of the Latino Student Association and discover what wonderful programs are featured throughout the month.

Latino Culture in the United States

D.R.E.A.M. Act or Nightmare?

Exploring the Impact of the D.R.E.A.M. Act on the U.S. Economy and Educational System

September 19| 6 p.m.| Lee Hall, 411

Facilitated by UMW Associate Professor College of Business , Raul Chavez

Cultural Awareness Series & Latino Identities Month Keynote Speaker Bobby González

September 21| 7 p.m.| Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center

Bobby González is a nationally known multicultural motivational speaker, storyteller, and poet. Born and raised in the South Bronx, New York City, González grew up in a bicultural environment. He draws on his Native American − Taino − and Latino − Puerto Rican − roots to offer a unique repertoire of discourses, readings, and performances that celebrates his indigenous heritage.

Latino Culture in Central America and the Caribbean

Please Don’t Stop the Music: An Exploration of Latin Roots in Popular Music

September 26| 6 p.m.| Lee Hall, 411

Zumba Bash

Featuring Certified Zumba Instructor, Carlos Reyes

September 28| 6 p.m.| Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center

(Recommended for adult audiences)

Latino Culture in South America

Read Between the Lines…

Literary Seminar highlighting authors Gabriel Garcia Marquez &Mario Vargas Llosa

October 3| 6p.m.| Lee Hall, 411

Facilitated by UMW Assistant Professor of Spanish, Mariá Laura Bocaz

Taste of Latino Culture

Dinner Theatre Featuring Quique Aviles

October 5| 5-7 p.m.| Faculty/Staff Dining Room, Seacobeck Hall

Combining authentic South American cuisine and the poetic talents of Quique Aviles, participants are invited to continue their journey and celebration of Latino culture and heritage. Quique Aviles is a poet and performer whose talents address social issues. A native of El Salvador and a graduate of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Quique has been writing and performing in the United States for over 20 years. His poetry has been featured on NPR’s “Latino USA” and on subway posters through Washington’s “Metro Muse.” A 1991 recipient of the Washington, DC Mayor’s Arts Awards, he is founder and artistic director of Sol & Soul, where he continues a lifelong commitment to mentoring emerging artists and helping young people find their voice.

Latino Culture in Spain & Beyond

Is the World Going Broke?

The Economic and Cultural State of Spain

October 10| 6 p.m.| Lee Hall, 411

Feria

October 12| 4-6 p.m.| Ball Circle

(Rain location: Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center)

The Latino Identities Month cultural journey culminates with a celebration filled with an array of festivities to include live entertainment, dancing, and a fashion show provided by members of the UMW campus community.