The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion announces Diversity Week, which begins Saturday (Sept. 29) and continues through Oct. 6 with “One Mountaineer Family” as the theme. Meshea Poore, vice president of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, talks with Inside WVU today host April Kaull about her new role at DEI and how the office promotes the different spectrums of diversity that are continuously growing on the WVU campus.
Diversity Week is structured to give an opportunity for the WVU community, including students, faculty and staff, to explore different cultures, hear different experiences and focus on the intersectional commonalities that we all share.
Throughout each day, student organizations, academic departments and various other University partners will host a variety of events that showcase different perspectives and experiences
On Saturday (Sept. 29) from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. on High Street, the International Festival will kick off the week by showcasing the many different cultures of WVU. WVU proudly has more than 2,000 students on campus from more than 100 countries around the world. The International Festival provides an opportunity for students and scholars to showcase their culture to the WVU community. Come see High Street Like you have never seen it before.
That afternoon the Annual Diversity Cup Soccer Tournament will get underway at 2 p.m. on the Recreation Fields hosted by the College of Physical Activities and Sport Sciences. Come and cheer them on!
On Sunday (Sept. 30) in the Mountainlair Ballroom from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., religious community leaders, choirs and different spiritual groups will come together to celebrate diversity and unity through spirituality. There will be religious readings and singing.
On Tuesday (Oct. 2) at the Patteson Auditorium of the Health Sciences Campus at noon, Meshea L. Poore, Vice President for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will provide attendees the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and become involved on progressing diversity and inclusion for our Mountaineer Family. Vice President Poore will share her vision for the future of diversity, equity and inclusion for our WVU Community.
On Tuesday (Oct. 2) in the Mountainlair Ballrooms at 7 p.m., our WVU student athletes will host an interactive panel on the truths of being a student athlete and sharing their experiences of dealing with diverse backgrounds and situations. Truth No Fluff
On Wednesday (Oct. 3) in the Mountainlair Ballrooms at 11 a.m., the annual WVU Women of Color Luncheon will be held with Ifeoma Ike, Esq., as the keynote speaker. Ike is a graduate of WVU and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. At 7:30 pm, as a part of the David C Hardesty, Jr. Festival of Ideas, and Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series with the College of Business & Economics; three time graduate of WVU and CEO of LISNR, Rodney Williams will speak on the “Lessons Learned” through life’s path of hurdles and successes.
On Thursday (Oct. 4) in the Mountainlair Ballrooms at 7 p.m., “Speak My Language” will be an evening of soul, culture, and expression, hosted by the Black Student Union and Student Government Association, will allow members of our Mountaineer Family to express themselves through poetry, spoken word, and music. Special Guests include live music performances by band Black Garlic and spoken word by West Virginia Affrilachian poet Crystal Good.
On Friday (Oct. 5) at the WVU Evansdale Crossing on the 5th Floor from 7:30 to 10 p.m., the Division will host a One Mountaineer Family Reunion, filled with fun, dancing, great music and food. Join us.