Tag: James Farmer Multicultural Center

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.

–

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.

–

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.

–

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.

–

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.

Monday, Nov. 14

7 p.m., Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center

For years, Bill Miller’s music has moved audiences around the world. An icon of the Native American music community, Miller has won three Grammys in the last four years. Through music and discussion, Miller illustrates the relationship between majority and minority cultures. Instead of teaching tolerance and assimilation, he promotes a redemptive culture of understanding and peace.

November 18
Faculty/Staff Dining Room,
Seacobeck Hall, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Students – 1 meal + $6,
Non-students – $10

The Sabbath is the day of rest for the Jewish community that begins at sundown on Friday and continues until three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night. During this time Jews abstain from labor of any kind and spend the day with families and friends. Traditionally, Jewish families commence the Sabbath with Shabbat dinner on Friday night. Come and enjoy a traditional Shabbat dinner and learn more about this weekly tradition.

Contact Mandi Solomon at msolomon@mail.umw.edu  for more information.

The basic understanding of the Jewish culture is a mix of both Jewish law and Jewish traditions. The traditions keep the Jewish people united while the laws keep the Jewish people steeped in history. Today the line between these two important aspects has been blurred, and laws and traditions have become one and the same. It is important to understand the differences between the two and how these differences make the Jewish culture what it is today. Please join the Jewish Student Association and the James Farmer Multicultural Center in this two week celebration highlighting the laws and traditions of Jewish culture.

–

Israeli Folk Dancing
November 7
Lee Hall 411, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

To celebrate Jewish culture, join the Jewish Student Association for a night of traditional dancing. There will be a mix of traditional and modern dances. These dances are easy to learn and there is no skill level needed. Join us in this fun and meaningful cultural tradition that spans the generations.

–

Riding Into The West:
Jewish Life Across America
November 9
Lee Hall 412, 6 – 9 p.m.

The Frisco Kid is a film about a Polish rabbi who wanders through the Old West on his way to lead a synagogue in San Francisco. On the way he is nearly burnt at the stake by Indians and almost killed by outlaws. Please join the Jewish Student Association for the showing of the film and a discussion directly following the movie.

–

Trivia Judaica
November 10
Underground, 8 p.m.

Think you know a lot about the J in JSA? Come out to trivia to see how much you really know about Jewish holidays, food, pop culture, religion and Israel. Play alone or with a group of friends.
Co-hosted by UPC.

–

Laws Meet Jewish Life
November 15
Red Room, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Jewish Student Association/Hillel are pleased to present Dr. Emile Lester from the Department of Political Science and International Affairs, who will be giving a lecture and discussion on the topic of Judaism and the United States Government. The topics that will be discussed during the presentation will range from Israel, social issues, economic issues, the influence of Judaism on the domestic and foreign policies of the United States, and the influence of Judaism historically and currently on the United States government.

–

Jewish Cultural Celebration
Keynote Speaker:
Roya Hakakian
November 16
Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center, 7 p.m.

Celebrated poet and filmmaker Roya Hakakian is passionate about raising awareness of today’s human rights issues, many of which are overlooked. A founding member of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center and a fellow at Yale’s Whitney Humanities Center, Hakakian has written Journey from the Land of No, an account of her life growing up as a Jewish teenager in post-revolutionary Iran.

–

Shabbat Dinner:

A Traditional Weekly Feast
November 18
Faculty/Staff Dining Room,
Seacobeck Hall, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Students – 1 meal + $4,
Non-students – $10

The Sabbath is the day of rest for the Jewish community that begins at sundown on Friday and continues until three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night. During this time Jews abstain from labor of any kind and spend the day with families and friends. Traditionally, Jewish families commence the Sabbath with Shabbat dinner on Friday night. Come and enjoy a traditional Shabbat dinner and learn more about this weekly tradition.

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.