Cultural Community Celebrations
African American Heritage Festival
The African American Heritage Festival is a 32 year-old celebration intended to educate, impact, and promote cultural awareness while commemorating the legacy of the African American experience. The Multicultural Center, with the assistance of other campus departments, co-sponsors this Spring Quarter eight-day festival. Any student can become a part of the leadership team to plan the events of the week. Past events have included barbeques, concerts, debates, community service events, and so much more! The dates of the Heritage Festival are April 24 - May 1, 2010. For more information, contact Christa Porter, porter.554@osu.edu.
American Indian/Indigenous Awareness Week
American Indian/Indigenous Awareness Week (AIAW) is a week set aside during the Spring that celebrates and recognizes Indigenous contributions throughout history. This week is an alternative time for Indigenous peoples to raise awareness to the larger communities that they are still here and making strides on all levels of American society. AIAW culminates with The Ohio State University Powwow.
Day of Remembrance
This is an established program in which we look at Asian issues during the week but the title and highlighted event is from the recognition of the internment of the Japanese during World War II. This is done in collaboration with Asian American Studies and various other partners. The week long events takes place the week of February 2-6, 2009.
Dia de los Muertos/Honoring our Ancestors
Intercultural program in collaboration with the Hispanic/Latin@ community and American Indian/Indigenous community to discuss how various cultures honor and create rituals around their ancestors. One or two Indigenous cultures would be highlighted to discuss their behaviors around honoring their ancestors.
Family Affair and Reunion
A joint venture of the Multicultural Center and the Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center, Family Affair & Reunion is an event that enables Academic departments and Student Life units to highlight the services, support, and program offerings to students. Faculty and staff who identify with the African American community as members and allies will also be able to connect with students who need to know that there is support within university units to make sure they successfully complete their degree at OSU in a safe and inclusive environment. For more information, contact Christa Porter, porter.554@osu.edu.
National Coming Out Day
NCOD is an internationally-observed civil awareness day for coming out and discussion about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues. It is observed on October 11 every year by members of the LGBT communities and their allied supporters. In addition to programming around this event, each year the Multicultural Center puts together a two page ad in the Lantern to raise general campus awareness about the day and it's meaning. For more information contact Elizabeth Warren at warren.168@osu.edu.
National Day of Silence
The National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. For more information contact Elizabeth Warren at warren.168@osu.edu.Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration
Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration
This annual event showcases local community elders who share knowledge about the celebration of Kwanzaa. This event is co-sponsored by the Black Graduate and Professional Student Caucus, The Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center and The Multicultural Center. Student organizations are encouraged to participate.
Thanksgiving Alternative/Harvest Celebration
A social and political alternative to the Thanksgiving national holiday. This gives students an opportunity to create/nurture OSU community as they would if they were at home within their Indigenous communities whether in an Urban or reservation setting. This is a time for them to share their traditions with those from other Nations/tribes and allies. this is an RSVP event. Please contact Candi Krisch at ckrisch@studentlife.osu.edu or (614) 688-8449.
The Ohio State University Student Powwow
The Ohio State University Student Powwow is planned, organized and produced by students from the American Indian Council (AIC) and allies. A powwow is a social way for American Indian/Indigenous students to inform and educate others at The Ohio State University about the 500+ federally recognized tribes/Nations as well as state recognized tribes/Nations that are still dynamic today. It is a two day Traditional powwow. Any questions should be directed to Candi Krisch at ckrisch@studentlife.osu.edu.