Office of Multicultural and Minority Affairs at UNC Pembroke

Being a white student on the campus of UNCP is considered to be a minority. Some white students take that to offense while someone like myself doesn’t see it as a big change. I say this because I don’t believe it really matters who is the minority or the majority. We are all on this campus for the exact same thing, to get some form of higher education. If it wasn’t for one of my colleagues to actually tell me that white students are the minority, I would have never thought about how these little details can actually effect some students. The fact that I am considered a minority around campus doesn’t affect my lifestyle because even with this new knowledge I will still go on with my daily activities. It doesn’t upset me and it definitely doesn’t affect my relationships with other races. So for everyone out there reading this, please give some feedback. I would like to see how other react to the fact that white students are the minority.Whether you are a white student, black student, asian student, hispanic student, or any other race, you have an opinion on the matter. It just takes someone to actually spark up the conversation and let opinions and ideas flow.

The Holiday Season is finally here and you can feel the excitement in the air. It is a happy time of year but is also a stressful time of year. “It is normal to feel overwhelmed during the holiday season. The pressure to have the perfect holiday can be extraordinary,” says Dr. Katherine Nordal, executive director for professional practice at APA. “It is important to put things in perspective and realize that the materialism of the holidays isn’t the real spirit of the season. The holidays are about family and togetherness, not tinsel and presents.” Us here at the Office of Multicultural And Minority Affairs would like to give a couple of tips on how to make this Holiday Season fantastic.

Take time for yourself – There may be pressure to be everything to everyone. Remember that you’re only one person and can only accomplish certain things. Sometimes self-care is the best thing you can do, others will benefit when you’re stress- free. Go for a long walk, get a massage or take time out to listen to your favorite music or read a new book. All of us need some time to recharge our batteries by slowing down you will actually have more energy to accomplish your goals.

Volunteer – Many charitable organizations are also suffering due to the economic downturn. Find a local charity, such as a soup kitchen or a shelter where you and your family can volunteer. Also, participating in a giving tree or an adopt-a-family program, and helping those who are living in true poverty may help you put your own economic struggles in perspective.

Have realistic expectations – No Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, or other holiday celebration is perfect; view inevitable missteps as opportunities to demonstrate flexibility and resilience. A lopsided tree or a burned brisket won’t ruin your holiday; rather, it will create a family memory. If your children’s wish list is outside your budget, talk to them about the family’s finances this year and remind them that the holidays aren’t about expensive gifts.

Remember what’s important – The barrage of holiday advertising can make you forget what the holiday season is really about. When your holiday expense list is running longer than your monthly budget, scale back and remind yourself that what makes a great celebration is family, not store-bought presents, elaborate decorations or gourmet food.

So from all of us here at UNCP, have a safe and happy holiday season!!!

Troy Davis is the man who never had a chance. He never had a chance of survival even with tons of support toward his innocence. Who is Troy Anthony Davis? He was a 42 year old man that after 22 years of imprisonment was lethally injected with chemicals that would ultimately paralyze his lungs and stop his heart. Why was this man sentenced to death? Troy Anthony Davis was convicted of murdering a police officer named Mark MacPhail.

According to the court, Troy Davis was guilty and deserved to die. Troy Davis never plead guilty to the charge and the court had no physical evidence against him. Davis tried for 22 years to get a retrial because of no evidence against him except for witnesses that testified against him. This man had support from former president Jimmy Carter, reverend Al Sharpton, former FBI director and judge William S. Sessions, and many celebrities. After being convicted and found guilty of murder and other offenses, the court system set a execution date for July 17th, 2007. Davis kept petitioning and pushing appeals until the court system eventually postponed the execution date for September 23rd, 2008. Again it was postponed due to Davis’ continuous fight until October 27th, 2008. Troy noticed that the court was obviously not going to give him another chance as they kept denying his appeals and his petition of habeas corpus. After 3 years plus many more petitions and pleas for retrial, the court decided on a final date, September 21,2011. In 2008 Davis pleaded for clemency and was denied. The same situation happened on September 20,2011 where Davis was again denied clemency.

Troy Anthony Davis attempted one more petition on the morning of September 21st, 2011. Butts County Superior Court and the Georgia Supreme Court denied his appeal. Davis also sent an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court which actually reviewed his petition, thus postponing his execution from 7 pm until several hours later. The outcome for Troy Davis stayed the same and the execution began. At 10:53 pm on September 21st, 2011, lethal chemicals were injected in his body and his last words were, “I’m not the one who personally killed your son, your brother, your father.” These words were directed towards Mark MacPhails family who were present during the execution. Troy also stated that he wanted his family to continue his fight.

Troy Davis’ case will be remembered in the books, but Troy Davis as a man who continued to fight for his innocence will be remembered forever. Please read more on Davis’ story and share your comments on how this 22 year long trial came to an end that affected many people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Davis_case

The United States of America is a very diverse nation. We have Black History Month to show support to African Americans for their contributions to the nation, but September 15th starts the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. From September 15th to October 15th, we show appreciation to all hispanic nations and people. The time period chosen for Hispanic Heritage Month was decided upon because many Latin American countries gained their independence. On September 15 th, the five Latin American countries that gained their independence were Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Later in the month, Mexico, Chile, and Belize also gained their independence but on seperate dates. In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a monthlong celebration. America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

As we take into account the history of Hispanic Heritage Month, we also need to notice the importance of all races coming together to show appreciation. To be strictly honest, I never heard of Hispanic Heritage Month. After extensive research on the event, the history as well as the people that represent the Hispanic culture have made an enormous impact on the U.S. economy. Hispanic culture has their share of icons just like every other culture. They have historical figures like Pancho Villa, who led many independent military forces against the Mexican government. They also have a wide range of performers like Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, George Lopez, Ricky Martin, and many more. We see impacts from the Hispanic culture in art as well with the work of Pablo Picasso. Athletics have also been impacted from player such as Jorge Posada and Sammy Sosa, who both were on Major League Baseball teams. Oscar de la Hoya is also a famous athlete for his continuous impact on the world of boxing.

The Hispanic culture has been apart of many aspects of American life, but have left their own mark on our society. The movies we watch, the music we listen to, the sports we play, the history we read will always have a piece of Hispanic culture incorporated. So beginning September 15th through October 15th, do not be afraid to learn more about Hispanic culture. You just might find a lot of things that interest you or have affected your lifestyle. UNCP and the Office of Multicultural and Minority Affairs would proudly like to say that we will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!

First off what is the actual meaning of bullying? Bullying is an abusive treatment, the use of force or coercion to affect others, particularly when involving an imbalance of power. In society today, bullies see their social power or physical power as a permission slip to cause pain to others. Some victims may be small or may be a little shy, but what bullies don’t see is the amount of heart that some of the victims possess. That heart or pride that these victims of bullying have easily wither away with every insult or belittlement. As the bullies of todays society make a routine of causing pain for that second or minute of pleasure, the victims usually tend to become isolated and depressed. The suffering is kept bottled up until the victims either start causing pain to other or themselves.

For example, there was a young boy by the name of Carl Joseph Walker. This 11 year old bundle of joy was repeatedly bullied in school. He was being threatened, being called gay, and insulted about the way he dressed. At 11 years old he played football, basketball, and was a boy scout, yet he was still a victim of bullying. Carl grew tired of the daily taunts and insults. Carl’s  mother, Sirdeaner Walker, ended up finding him dead after he had committed suicide by hanging himself with an extension cord.

With stories like Carl’s happening daily, how do we just stand by and watch? How is there a way that we can stop the pain and save lives? One of the greatest things God has blessed us with is the ability to speak. If the adults of society do not speak up against bullying, then we are exhibiting to the young minds of the world that they shouldn’t speak up about being bullied either. A man named Harvey Feirstein once said, “Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.” Will you speak up against bullying?

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke will be hosting their 4th annual Social Justice Symposium which is titled “The Many Faces of Bullying.” This will take place on August 31st from 6P.M. to 9P.M. in the UC Annex Assembly Room. Come out and join us for a night of speaking out against bullying.

A simple look! That’s all it would take for my mother, aunts or sisters to correct me in a heartbeat. No words… just a deadly stare right into my mischievous mind that destroys every devilish scheme.

Women throughout history have been the concrete moral fiber in every human’s life. The smartest man on earth could not even prepare a discussion about his achievements without including a woman.

The influence of women in a man’s life is more powerful than any invention in the world. With the Texas State Board of Education wanting to change history text books and NewSouth Publishing removing the “n” word from Huckleberry Finn, this should have our minds wondering when educators will start discussing the impact of the Women’s Suffrage.

Now is the time to blend the achievements of women in to history text books and speak out about “feminism” in public and not whisper in corners anymore. Will such defamatory words such as “hoe”, “b*%!”, or any other negative name dominate news conferences with panels of educators discussing the psychological damage that such words can cause?

 Society seems to be afraid to have a celebrative day for Jeannette Rankin, Susan B. Anthony, or Ella Baker. We have government holidays to celebrate many men but none that celebrate women who’ve help change our society for the better.

Now is the time we all give “the look” to those who have silenced the voices and achievements of women. Now is the time to take a stand. Now is the time… not only during this month but every month of every year untill the achievements of the voiceless has been given a voice. Take a look. Take a stand. Let her voice be heard.

Every year people take to the streets, airways, churches, and talk about the accomplishments and life of Martin Luther King Jr.  Some places have extended church services while others create programs that involve community outreach for Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday.  Many schools have students recite the famous “I have a dream speech”.  These are the things that happen on and around Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday. 

The acts of service, parades and programs are just small particles of gratitude to a man who spent his life fighting for the rights of all people.  In his last speech delivered in Memphis Tennessee he spoke to the striking sanitation workers about working together.  “We’ve got to stay together and maintain unity”, were just some of the words he spoke on the day before he was assassinated. 

Working together seemed to be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s theme throughout the civil rights movement and beyond.  During his life time he helped coordinate some of the most impressive marches, boycotts and assemblies around the United States. 

Has Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday become a commercialized day?

Celebrating his work for one day should not be just observed but practiced everyday of the year.  In his speech “I have seen the Promise Land” Dr. King elegantly stated that he will not stop until justice was awarded to everyone.  The passion to help all people should not be held to just a day but a yearly activity to correct injustice.

Instead of having meetings and observances’ of his life, we should celebrate his work yearly.  Let’s mark Dr. King’s birthday as an end of the yearlong of feat of civil rights.  Let our actions speak loudly of his standards that he has set and surpass them. 

“Now, I’m just happy that God has allowed me to live in this period, to see what is unfolding” (Dr. Martin Luther King, 2011).  If he was alive now would he be happy of what has transpired since his death?  Would he shake his head in shame because of the progression of minorities in this country?

Is it possible to use Martin Luther King’s Jr.’s birthday as a starting point to help the unfortunate rise. 

 -Ulyesse Preston

 In 1916 in the state of New York the first “American Indian Day” was declared. This is a month dedicated to the recognition of Native Americans and the traditions.  National American Indian Heritage Month is meant to honor and recognize the original peoples of this land. Also, to recognize their contributions to the past and to the future:

Tribal America has taught America many values and ideas that shaped us into a better country. For example, that human can survive without destroying the environment, and that diversity can provide more strength than division.  Also, they helped people to understand that different cultures, religions, traditions and backgrounds help to build a stronger country.

Keep in mind this month as we celebrate the injustices that have been suffered by American Indians. This is a time for all cultures to appreciate another and to unite as one, never leaving one behind. Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives will continue to face more struggles in the centuries to come. But we must stand behind all of our fellow citizens.

In recognition of the important contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples to our country and the special relationship between the tribes, we celebrate National American Indian Heritage Month.

“Our bridge to the 21st century will rest upon the foundation we build today. We must teach our children about our past — both the good and the bad — so that they may learn from our successes and mistakes. We must provide our children with the knowledge and skills to permit them to surpass our own achievements and create a stronger, more united American community.”-William Clinton

Resources Used:

Information: http://www3.kumc.edu/diversity/ethnic_relig/naihm.html

Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15^th through October 15^th. Hispanic Heritage Month actually began in 1968, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This is a month for America to celebrate and learn aboutHispanicculture. September 15^th was actually the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. On September 16^th and the 18^th, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence.

Hispanic actually means Spanish-speaking people in the U.S of any race. According to the 2010 Census, an estimated 46.9 Million people identified as Hispanic or Latino in the U.S. Mexico is the only country with a larger Hispanic population.

Just A Few Hispanic Influences:

Historical Figures: Father Junipero Serra, Pancho Villa

Performers: Christina Aquilera, Cameron Diaz, George Lopez, Ricky Martin, Cesar Romero

Writers: Julia Alverez, Laura Esquivel, Sandra Cisneros

Political Figures: Benito Jua”rez, Raul Castro, Cesar Chavez, Eva Peron, Fidel Castro

Musicians/ Singers: Ruben Blades, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Selena, Jerry Garcia, Tito Puente

Scientists/Educators: Mario Molina, Bernardo Houssay, Luis Leloir, Jamie Escalante

Explorers: Ellen Ochoa, Francisco Pizarro, Carlos Noriega, Cristobal Colon

Athletes: Sammy Sosa, Oscar de la Hoya, Roberto Alomar, Nancy Lopez

http://www.diversitystore.net/ds/images/hispanic/hispanic_poster-1995.jpg

http://www.factmonster.com/spot/hhm1.html

http://www.biography.com/hispanic-heritage/

 Caribbean Diversity

“Caribbean integration is an urgent matter in both practice and theory, one that concerns not only economists, but jurist and historians. It requires a debate around themes of culture, identity and diversity… [T]he idea that culture identity is “constructed,” and is an ideological,historical concrete phenomenon, is discussed.  There is no fixed cultural identity. However, there are characteristics common to the Caribbean, for example the phenomenon of “choteo” (making fun off, teasing) – a capacity related to “not taking things too seriously” or “to take things in a relaxed manner”, which one of the Caribbean population characteristics. Perhaps it is a way to protect oneself in the face of the dangers of cultural homogenization. This analyze is based on the Cuban case.”