The fifth annual Diversity Conference presented by the Central Valley Cultural Heritage Institute focuses on “Leading with Diverse Voices” as part of the 2010 Diversity Awareness Week at California State University, Fresno.

The conference is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, in the Henry Madden Library Auditorium Room 2206. There is no charge but seats are limited.

As part of the Diversity Awareness Week observance, Fresno State’s Black Student’s United is collecting bottled water for distribution to downtown Fresno homeless individuals on Saturday, May 1. Bottles of water will be collected at the Center for Women and Culture (Thomas Building Room 110) through Friday, April 30.

The morning symposium of Wednesday’s conference, “Honoring the Japanese American Experience in the San Joaquin Valley,” will feature local Japanese Americans interned during World War II and:

  • Dr. Satsuki Ina, the award-winning film producer of “Children of the Camps” and “From a Silk Cocoon” documenting the Japanese-American experience during World War II.
  • Deborah J. Ikeda, vice president of Instruction and Student Services for State Center Community College District North Centers.

An exhibit of the Japanese-American experience will be available for viewing.

The conference afternoon workshop is an interactive presentation focused on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and associated communities. It begins at 1 o’clock.

The morning symposium is co-sponsored by the Special Collections Research Center at the Henry Madden Library and the Central Valley Cultural Heritage Institute. it is funded by a Fresno Regional Foundation Arts and Culture grant.

Diversity Awareness Week also includes a Latina leadership conference, a screening of the Oscar-nominated film “Invictus,” the César Chávez Education Conference and a diversity workshop.

More information is available by calling 559.278.6946.

(Copy by University Communications news intern Sadie Thomas)

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