April 28, 2009

The annual Diversity Awareness Week at California State University, Fresno continues through Friday, May 2, and includes a demonstration about the Darfur crisis and a cultural diveristy conference.

This year’s theme is “Unity and the Community” with a diverse coalition of student groups, campus departments and community members presenting cultural and diversity activities -- films, performances and lectures.

It will culminate with a student-driven community service project to bring clean bottled water to Fresno’s homeless citizens, said Francine L. Oputa, director of the Central Valley Cultural Heritage Institute.

All events are open to the public and most are free admission.

The observance began last week with the Armenian Studies Program’s commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on April 23 and 24.

Today was opening ceremonies and tomorrow (April 28) at 12:30 p.m., Dr. Roksana Badruddoja, a professor in the Women's Studies Program, will speak on “How South Asian Americans Negotiate Queer Identities” in University Student Union Room 309.

Other Diversity Awareness Week activities include:

• At 7 p.m. Tuesday, the Fashion Fusion in the Satellite Student Union will explore diversity by offering student designers and models the opportunity to present their unique take on fashion. The show, sponsored by University Student Union Productions, is the only one with admission: $5 for students with a Fresno State I.D. and $7 for the general public

• On Wednesday, April 29, the Fresno State Coalition to Save Darfur will present a “Refugee Village” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Memorial Court as part of National Genocide Prevention Month during April. The event is intended to create awareness of the genocide in Darfur and will include a “Die-in” at 1 p.m. to demonstrate solidarity with those who suffer in Darfur.

• On Friday, May 1, the Central Valley Cultural Heritage Institute presents the 4th Annual Diversity Conference sponsored by The Prudential Insurance Company of America. The conference begins at 9 a.m. in Kremen Building Room 140 with guest speaker Luisa Medina, development director of Central California Legal Services who is the Woman of the Year for the 31st Assembly District. Also speaking will be Willie Green, who was wrongly imprisoned for 25 years.

Other presentations will include: “Bi-Racial Identity: Diverse Perspectives and Empowerment” and “Advocacy: Parenting Children with Disabilities.” The noon keynote speaker will be a representative from Prudential. At 1 p.m. Prudential will present to individuals interested in career opportunities with their company.

For more information, call 559. 278.6946.