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Diversity Week Features Events, Exhibits and Entertainment Feb. 25-March 3


Diversity Week at SUNY Plattsburgh begins Saturday, Feb. 25 with an event designed to test participants’ skills at overcoming adversity, and the Black History Month Ball hosted by Black Onyx.

The week of events, exhibits and more is coordinated by the Center for Diversity, Pluralism and Inclusion with assistance from other offices and individuals on campus. 

“Celebration of Ability,” being held Feb. 25 from 3 to 5 p.m. in Memorial Hall gym, will feature athletes from Special Olympics and members of the student-run PR firm Cardinal PR assigning disabilities to participants who will then be asked to try out a variety of adaptive games.

The Black History Month Ball begins at 5 p.m. in the ballrooms of the Angell College Center and will feature performances, music and theater that takes the audience back through time from the 1970s to the present. Tickets are $7 for students, $8 for everyone else and can be purchased at the Angell College Center desk or online.

Other events throughout Diversity Week include:

Sunday, Feb. 26

“An Evening of Spirituals and Ballads: Common Roots”

4-5:30 p.m.

Newman Center, 90 Broad St., Plattsburgh

A concert featuring gospel music from across the ages performed by the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir, invited directors, composers and soloists.

“Go Tell Michelle: A Tribute to Michelle Obama, America’s First African American First Lady”

7 p.m.

Krinovitz Recital Hall, Hawkins Hall

An evening of poetry and letters written by campus and community members  to the former First Lady of the United States based on the 2009 book, “Go, Tell Michelle: African American Women Write to the New First Lady.”

Sponsored by the Educational Opportunity Program.

Monday, Feb. 27

“Diversity on the Federal Courts”

2:30-3:30 p.m.

Alumni Conference Room, Angell College Center

Presentation chronicles the history of diversity on the federal courts and discusses the effect diversity has on judicial decision-making.

“Race, Health and Life Expectancy: Racism that Gets Underneath Your Skin”

4-5:30 p.m.

Alumni Conference Room, Angell College Center

Lecture and Q&A on the racial health inequalities that exist in the United States.

“13th”

7 p.m.

Yokum 200

Showing of Netflix’s 2016 documentary “13th,” which provides an in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and ho it reveals the nation’s history of racial inequality. Q&A follows the screening.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

“Living and Working with Mental Illness”

2-4 p.m.

Alumni Conference Room, Angell College Center

Panel discussion that will address: Labels and diagnosis; self-care; fighting the stigma; and local resources. Panel consists of five active, working adults who have a mental-health diagnosis.

“The Youthful Elders”

4:30-6 p.m.

Yokum 202

Panel discussion will feature community members who will share experiences, from their younger selves to now.

“Understanding the Transgender Experience”

7-9 p.m.

Yokum 200

Presentation featuring Kelly Metzgar and Avan Monette, who will share stories and discuss their transgender experiences in the North Country. Q&A follows.

Wednesday, March 1

“Voices of Inclusion Through Art and Story”

12:30-2 p.m.

Ballroom A, Angell College Center

Participants will view film clips, discuss the clips and create collages depicting movement from oppression to inclusion.

“Why Engage? The Value of Civic Learning in Higher Education”

2-4 p.m.

Alumni Conference Room, Angell College Center

Panel discussion featuring faculty, staff, students and community members who will speak to how service and community engagement has shaped their work and why it matters.

“Tim Wise’s ‘White Like Me’”

7-9 p.m.

Yokum 200

Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national organization new to Plattsburgh, will present the film, ‘White Like Me’ and host a discussion afterwards.

Thursday, March 2

“Examining Privilege and Intersectionality of Identity Through Active Communication and Exercises”

9 a.m.-2:15 p.m.

Angell College Center Ballrooms

Workshops will give participants the opportunity to engage with others while understanding who they are and what’s needed to achieve inclusivity.

“Book Talk with Jan Maher: ‘Earth As it Is”

4-6 p.m.

Alumni Conference Room, Angell College Center

Former education and gender and women’s studies adjunct professor and fellow of the Institute for Ethics in Public Life, will discuss her book, “Earth As it Is,” which tells the story of Charlene/Charlie, a heterosexual cross-dressing man.

“The Revival: Women and the Word”

7 p.m.

Angell College Center Ballrooms

Film that chronicles the U.S. tour of a group of black lesbian poets and musicians who become present-day stewards of a historical movement to build community among queer women of color.

Friday, March 3

“Club Kinks: Natural Hair Awareness Skit”

4-5:30 p.m.

Alumni Conference Room, Angell College Center

Discussion and skit about misconceptions and misunderstanding about hair types, origins of hair and natural hair.

“Square Train Community Dance”

7 p.m.

Plattsburgh City Hall, City Hall Place

Square dancing meets Soul Train featuring dancers from the North Country Squares and a hour of free dance in the style of Soul Train. DJ services by Associate Librarian Tim Hartnett.

All Week

“The Brave Space: A Mosaic of Voices with North Country Public Radio”

SA Conference Room, 2nd floor, Angell College Center

A place to tell your story about your identity, struggles, what makes you afraid, what makes you feel proud and strong. Call 518-564-5410 to reserve a time slot.

For information on any event during Diversity Week, contact Jennifer Matott at 518-564-5410 or email [email protected].

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