Michigan State University celebrates Unity Month by recognizing and honoring diverse cultures, heritages, and religions

STARKVILLE, Miss.—April is Unity Month at Mississippi State University, featuring a range of activities highlighted by the International Fiesta. This event showcases the diverse cultures, heritages, and religions represented by the university’s students, faculty, and staff.

Organized by the World Neighbors Association and the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center (HCDC) at MSU, the much-anticipated International Fiesta is set for April 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Drill Field. Attendees can enjoy entertainment, culinary delights, and cultural displays.

The HCDC is also hosting the Cultural Language Exchange sessions on April 2 and 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Old Main Academic Center, Room 3050. These gatherings offer students the chance to explore the home countries and native languages of their peers.

MSU’s Music Maker Productions will mark Unity Month with the annual Old Main Music Festival featuring live music, food trucks, and an art market on April 26 at the MSU Amphitheater. The lineup for the event will be announced soon on Facebook and other social media platforms by MMP.

Other Unity Month events include:

—April 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Interfaith Fair on the Drill Field, which aims to introduce attendees to various religious and spiritual organizations.

—April 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Unity Unleashed: A Night of Fun and Games at the Old Main Academic Center, Room 3200.

—April 11, from 2 to 4 p.m.: Unity Month Student Mixer at the YMCA Building Plaza offering students food and engaging activities.

—April 21 at 4 p.m.: Spring Concert with the Black Voices Gospel Choir at Lee Hall, Bettersworth Auditorium, celebrating the rich tradition of gospel music with renditions of songs by top gospel artists.

In addition, the Office of Inclusive Excellence is hosting events this month tailored for faculty and staff:

—April 4, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: “Rural and…: Exploring Identity Intersection and Student Success” at Memorial Hall, Coskrey Auditorium, where MSU employees can gain insights on supporting rural students with diverse identities, with lunch provided.

—April 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Interfaith Dinner and Dialogue at the Center for America’s Veterans, multipurpose room, offering an opportunity for MSU faculty, staff, and students to enhance their communication and relationship-building skills with individuals from different faith backgrounds.

To register for these events, visit https://w.msstate.edu/workshops/. Once logged in, go to the Division of Access, Opportunity and Success, and select the desired session for registration.

For more details on the events, please contact Karolina Kastsiuchenka, program coordinator at the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, at 662-325-2033 or kkastsiuchenka@adi.msstate.edu.

For further information about MSU’s Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, visit www.hcdc.msstate.edu.