Diversity Events

Kent State Stark is committed to providing an environment that recognizes the value of bringing together people from all cultures and backgrounds.

Various campus committees create opportunities for the public and campus community to get together and experience diversity in all its forms by:

• Sponsoring events that celebrate diversity
• Inviting speakers that focus on diverse topics
• Developing strategies for bringing diversity into the classroom
• Increasing efforts to recruit students, faculty and staff with a diverse background

2018-2019 Diversity Events

 
IMMIGRATION "FACT CHECK" QUIZZES ON FACEBOOK
Oct. 1 - Nov. 9, 2018
Campus Center

Come to Speak Your Truth on Oct.31 to get the correct answers. Take quizzes at www.facebook.com/KSUStarkGlobal.

 
GUEST SPEAKER: JOE CIMPERMAN
Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Campus Center

President of Global Cleveland, Joe Cimperman, will speak about immigration, economics and culture in the Akron-Canton area. Free, light refreshments will be provided.

 
ACIREMA WORKSHOP
Friday, Oct. 26, 2018
2 p.m.
101 Science & Nursing

Learn what it’s like to become an international student and what it is like to live in the United States of America as an international student or as a foreigner.

 
SPEAK YOUR TRUTH - IMMIGRATION: LET'S FACT CHECK IT!
Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018
1 - 2:15 p.m.
Campus Center

Join us in an interactive discussion as we talk about the Top 10 Held Misconceptions about Immigration and let's fact check them to discover the truth. Free, light refreshments provided. 

 
REFUGEE VS. MIGRANT
Friday, Nov. 2, 2018
12 - 1 p.m.
Science & Nursing Conference Room

Join Sarah Schmidt, coordinator for Global Education Initiatives, for this informative discussion.

 
PANEL DISCUSSION: IMMIGRANT VOICES OF KENT STATE STARK
Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018
2 - 3:30 p.m.
Main Hall Auditorium

Hear from a panel of students, faculty and staff members from Kent State Stark who have first-hand immigration experience. 

 
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH DOCUMENTARY & DISCUSSION
In Whose Honor? American Indian Mascots in Sports
Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018
2 - 3:15 p.m.
217 Science & Nursing

Sponsored by the Diversity Committee. Discussion moderated by Dr. Jim Seelye. Visit the Kent State Stark Global Education Initiatives Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KSUStarkGlobal for interesting facts surrounding Native American Heritage Month.

 
AIDS QUILT - WORLD AIDS DAY
Dec. 3 - 7, 2018
Campus Center

Three panels of the AIDS Quilt are on display in the Campus Center. HIV/AIDS informational materials are available. Sponsored by the LGBT Faculty Committee. 

 
PRESENTATION - MUSIC, LITERATURE, SPORTS AND ART: EXPLORING THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019
12 - 1 p.m.
316 Main Hall

Presented by Dr. Leslie Heaphy. Sponsored by the Black History Committee.

 
KENT STATE STARK JAZZ TRIO
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Campus Center

Grab your lunch and listen to a student jazz ensemble directed by Professor Erin Vaughn. Sponsored by the Black History Committee.

 
VAL B. KING CONCERT
Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019
6 p.m.
Main Hall Auditorium
Free concert, tickets not required

Val B. King, granddaughter of legendary blues artist B.B. King, will perform as part of the campus’ observance of Black History Month. King’s concert, “Storytelling with Val B. King”, will be presented in place of Cleveland-based electric blues ensemble, the Wallace Coleman Band, previously slated to perform that evening. King’s soothing sound has been influenced by gospel music, blues, jazz, soul and R&B. She recently finished her self-titled debut album, which includes a tribute song to her grandfather entitled, “The Legacy Goes On”. Sponsored by the Black History Committee.

FEATURED SPEAKER MARY FRANCES BERRY
Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019
7:30 p.m.
Conference Center
Tickets required (free) and available Monday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 a.m. at the Main Hall information desk.

For more than four decades, Mary Frances Berry, Ph.D., has been one of the most visible and respected activists in the cause of civil rights, gender equality and social justice. Serving as chairperson of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, Berry led the charge for equal rights and liberties for all Americans over the course of four presidential administrations. She made history as one of the founders of the monumental Free South Africa Movement (FSAM), for which she received the Nelson Mandela award. In her most recent book, “History Teaches Us to Resist: How Progressive Movements Have Succeeded in Challenging Times”, Berry chronicles more than 50 years of progressive victories and the winning tactics behind them. She reveals what works, what doesn’t – and how to achieve positive change in our world. Ticket information found at www.kent.edu/stark/featured-speakers-series.

MARY FRANCES BERRY BOOK DISCUSSION
Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019
5:15 - 7 p.m.
Kent State Stark Library

All are welcome to discuss themes, ideas and current events connected to Berry's latest book, "History Teaches Us to Resist: How Progressive Movements Have Succeeded in Challenging Times." Prior completion of the book is not required. Participants in the book discussion will receive two reserved seating tickets for Berry's lecture and will be invited to meet Berry following her lecture. Books are available for purchase at the Kent State Stark Bookstore and to check out at the library. Contact Samantha Lee at slee23@kent.edu with questions. Hosted by the Kent State Stark Library Book Club.

 
MOVIE: THE BLACK LIST & DISCUSSION
Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019
2 - 3:15 p.m.
301 Main Hall

Watch The Black List and join in a discussion led by Professor Jessica Jones and Dr. Joel Carbonell. Sponsored by the Black History Committee.

 
THE BLACK EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA: WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
5 - 6:30 p.m.
203 Main Hall

Will Casterlow presents some of the  aspects of the Black Experience in America  that have affected this population in ways that are unique to the majority population. We say that we are a “Nation of Laws” but what happens when those laws are designed to target you as an individual because you belong to a specific group of people? Sponsored by the Black History Committee.

 
PEOPLE BE TALKIN': THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF BLACK ENGLISH
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
5 - 6 p.m.
Main Hall Conference Room 1

Dr. Brenda Smith will join the English Club to discuss the history and development of Black English. All are welcome. Sponsored by the Black History Committee.

 
MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
Wednesday, March 13 & Thursday, March 14, 2019
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Campus Center

The Diversity Committee invites you to explore and celebrate the cultures of South Africa, Uganda, Serbia and Kazakhstan. Enjoy music, food, dancing and art from these exciting countries.

 
"INFINITY" DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
3 p.m.
Main Hall Auditorium

The Women's History Committee is sponsoring a screening of "Infinity," a documentary film about the artist Yayoi Kusama. Following the movie, a Skype Q & A will take place with the director Heather Lenz, an alumna of Kent State University.
 

LGBTQ HISTORY PANEL
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
12 - 1:30 p.m.
101 Science & Nursing

Join us for an LGBTQ History Panel, featuring various presentations from four Kent State Stark faculty members: Dr. Christopher Michael Roman, Dr. Jay Sloan, Dr. Leslie Heaphy and Dr. Katrina Bloch. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the LGBTQ Faculty Committee.

 
"YOUR STORY": WHAT'S YOUR FAITH STORY?
Monday, April 22, 2019
2 - 3 p.m.
Campus Center Fireplace Lounge

All are welcome. Features local leaders from the Muslim, Jewish, Protestant, Catholic and Hindu faith traditions. Come share your story! Refreshments provided. Sponsored by the Diversity Committee and Interfaith Campus Ministry.
 

QUEERWRITE! WORKSHOP
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
12 - 1:30 p.m.
Writing Center // Learning Resource Center (Library)

The Kent State University at Stark LGBT Faculty Committee would like to invite YOU to the first-ever QueerWrite! Workshop in The Writing Center. The workshop will focus on the writing of LGBTQ+ stories and/or memoirs - either your own or that of a friend or family member. #AllAreWelcome  Email your reservation by Monday, April 22 to jdsloan@kent.edu. 

 
BLACK HISTORY WORKSHOP
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Stark County Main Library
715 Market Ave N, Canton

Expand your knowledge of African American history and consider how this knowledge can inform your actions and interactions as a citizen in a multicultural society. Topics include Redlining, Mass Incarceration, Black English, Microaggressions, Black Lives Matter, Racism and White Fragility. Free, pizza and snacks provided. RSVP to Amy Damrow by May 12 at adamrow@kent.edu. Sponsored by the Black History Committee.

 
GLOBAL GATEWAY DAY - DESTINATION: AFRICA
Saturday, June 8, 2019
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Campus Center

Global Education Initiatives and the Diversity Committee presents Global Gateway Day, a family friendly afternoon filled with cultural performances, international food sampling, global games and activities for all ages. This event is free and open to the public.