By Cassie Hall
UM Morris student writer
Morris, Minn. (March 8, 2010) – From March 27 through April 1, 2010, the University of Minnesota, Morris will hold the 37th Annual World Touch Cultural Heritage Week. “Breaking Barriers Through Laughter” is this year’s theme. All events are free and open to the public.
The WTCHW began in 1973 for the purpose of sharing and celebrating the diversity and culture of multi-ethnic student groups, such as American Indian/Alaskan Native, African American, Asian American and Latino/a, through educational and diverse programs.
“This year’s theme was chosen to illustrate the use of humor in a cultural context as a critical tool in student’s self-efficacy on a college campus, reducing stress and building rapport across cultures,” says Tracy Peterson, associate director, Multi-Ethnic Student Program.
The week kicks off on Saturday, March 27, with the 26th Annual Circle of Nations Indian Association Powwow in the P.E. Center. Doors open at 10:00 a.m., with Grand Entry from noon until 7:00 p.m.
On Sunday, March 28, the Bollywood feature film, “3 Idiots” will be screened in Edson Auditorium in the Student Center at 7:00 p.m. The film is the tale of two college friends who set out to find their pal and former college roommate. They reminisce about days studying in India’s most prestigious engineering college and how their friend touched their lives with free thinking ways and opposing ideas about the education system.
On Monday, March 29, the Global Fashion Show will be held in Oyate Hall in the Student Center at 7:00 p.m.
On Tuesday, March 30, a discussion on “Cultural and Sexual Identity in the Music Industry” will be held in the Cougar Room in the Student Center at noon. The event is part of the Food For Thought Discussion Series.
Also on Tuesday, a concert featuring Asian-American singer-songwriter Magdalen Hsu-Li, “Smashing the Ceiling: Redefinition of Identity,” will be held in Edson Auditorium in the Student Center at 7:00 p.m.
A painter, cultural activist, and musician, Hsu-Li’s music is described as “exquisitely furious, beautiful, and exciting” by Performing Songwriter, and “…and achingly gorgeous collection of piano based rock recalling the finest moments of Tori Amos or Ben Folds Five” by Yolk Magazine.
On Wednesday, March 31, Kip Fulbeck will hold a book signing and present a spoken word performance, “What Are You? The Changing Face of America,” in Edson Auditorium in the Student Center at 7 p.m. Fulbeck is an American slam poet, artist, professor, and filmmaker known for speaking on multiraciality, identity, and pop culture using a mixture of spoken word, political activism, stand-up comedy, and personal stories. He has performed in more than 20 countries and has been featured on CNN, MTV, and PBS. Fulbeck is also known as the creator of The Hapa Project, a collective term for a book, online community, and traveling photographic exhibition centered on people of mixed Asian or Pacific Island descent.
World Touch Cultural Heritage Week culminates on Thursday, April 1, with a closing dinner. RSVPs requested.
For more information, contact the Multi-Ethnic Student Program at 320-589-6095 or [email protected].
Through personal and academic discovery, the University of Minnesota, Morris, provides its students dynamic opportunities to grow intellectually, engage in community, experience environmental stewardship and celebrate the diversity of global citizenship. A model for life, the renewable and sustainable Morris experience prepares graduates for lives of leadership and service.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, learn more about Morris at morris.umn.edu or call 888-866-3382.
