Dowdy Multicultural Center

2021 Fall Kente Graduation Celebration

Friday, December 17, 2021  |  Celebration Begins at 7 PM  |  Doors open at 6 PM  |  Masks Required  |  Tickets Required for Entry

Hollinger Fieldhouse (150 University Ave, West Chester, PA  19383)

The Dowdy Multicultural Center is excited to sponsor the 24th Annual Fall Kente Graduation Celebration.   The Dowdy Multicultural Center’s Kente Graduation Celebration, known affectionately by students and alumni as “Kente” is an event that was created in the fall of 1992 to “honor and celebrate the achievements of multicultural students”.   Kente has become a “true West Chester University tradition”.   To date, more than 2,500 West Chester University graduates have participated in this celebration.   As the student body at West Chester University has grown in its cultural diversity, so has the event itself.   Today, Kente is an event that affirms and celebrates the cultural identity of students who identify as: Alaskan Native, Asian American, Black or African American, Caribbean American, Desi American, Latina/o/x, Native American, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and Multiracial.

LIVE STEAM:

We are excited to share that the 2021 Fall Kente Graduation Celebration will be live streamed! The live stream link will be available the day of the event at this website: https://www.wcupa.edu/Commencement/default.aspx. 

KENTE IS A TICKETED EVENT. PLEASE SEE DETAILS BELOW:

Off-Campus Visitors reserve and download tickets here: https://wcupatix.com/other-campus-events

PARKING:

General Parking
During the Kente Graduation Celebration, parking is free in the Sharpless Street Parking Garage (15 Sharpless St., West Chester, PA 19383) and the New Street Parking Garage (704 S. New St., West Chester, PA 19383). Students and their guests are strongly encouraged to park in the Sharpless Parking Garage first for easier access to Hollinger Field House.
Accessible Parking
Hollinger Accessible Parking - Guests with a university or state issued handicap placard can park on Church Street via Sharpless Street. You make a left off of High Street onto Sharpless Street and then another left onto Church Street.  There will be parking officers present to assist with this. If those spots are full, you can drop off at Church Street and University Avenue (as close to the building as possible) and then park in one of the garages.
 

Once you are parked or dropped off, please follow signs to ADA Seating. You will need to go around Hollinger Fieldhouse and use the ground level entrance. Golf carts will be there to assists guests who have ambulatory issues.

You may also choose to park in either of those garages and we will have golf carts running between the garages and Hollinger Fieldhouse.

GRADUATE INFORMATION FOR EVENT:

All graduates need to arrive at Hollinger Fieldhouse, 150 University Ave, West Chester, PA  19383 no later than 5:30 p.m. to check-in, receive hood prep assistance if needed, and to line up for the celebration. We will begin the event promptly at 7:00 p.m.  

Please bring/wear your graduation gown and the purple and gold hood. You will not need your graduation cap.  Be sure to view the YouTube video to be familiar with the proper way to wear your hood. You can view this here: Commencement | How to Properly Wear Your Graduation Gown.  We have faculty and staff to assist with making sure you hood is worn correctly if needed. 
If you have not done so, please stop by the Ram Card Office to pick-up your guest tickets. Off-campus visitors must get their tickets at: http://www.wcupatix.com/Other-Campus-Events. WCU faculty, staff and students attending Kente can also pick-up tickets from the Ram Card Office. All tickets will be available until Wednesday, December 16 at 4:30 PM.  
 

If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact our office at (610) 436-3273, or email us at Multicultural@wcupa.edu.

 

The 3rd Annual Ruby Jones Conference on Race, Social Justice and Civic Leadership will take place on Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 10 AM to 3 PM in Sykes Student Union.

The goal of this conference is to create an educational environment where students can engage in learning that will raise awareness and promote action-oriented dialogue about racial, cultural and social issues that impact how students experience life on campus, in communities and in society.

The conference is named in honor of Professor Ruby Jones. Professor Jones was a West Chester University alumna and the first Black faculty hired at the institution. She was a K-12 educator prior to becoming a professor at WCU. Professor Ruby Jones was actively involved with the NAACP, American Association of University Women, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Delta Kappa. She has been described as an educator, humanitarian and civic leader.

The keynote speaker for the 2021 Ruby Jones conference is Dr. Jamila Lyiscott, an aspiring way-maker, community-engaged scholar, nationally renowned speaker, and the author of Black Appetite. White Food: Issues of Race, Voice, and Justice Within and Beyond the Classroom. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Social Justice Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she is the co-founder and co-director of the Center of Racial Justice and Youth Engaged Research. Dr. J is most well known for being featured on TED.com where her video, '3 Ways to Speak English,' has been viewed over 4.8 million times, and for her commissioned TED Talk, '2053' in response to the inauguration of the 45th occupant of the white house. She has delivered keynotes and workshops at hundreds of institutions throughout the nation where she works closely with youth, educators, and communities towards racial healing, equity, and justice. Dr. Lyiscott serves as co-editor of the journal of Equity & Excellence in Education, and holds faculty fellowships at the University of Notre Dame, and Teachers College, Columbia University. She is the recipient of the 2019 AERA Outstanding Public Communication of Education Research Award and the 2019 Scholar-Activist & Community Advocacy Award.

To best accommodate conference participants, registration for the 2021 Ruby Jones Conference is limited to West Chester University students, faculty and staff.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER HERE

5th Annual Brothers of Excellence Conference 2021
Theme: Strength in Numbers | Virtual Conference
Week 5: Thursday, February 25 | 10am-4:15pm

Join us virtually to connect and learn with other Men of Color! 
*Men of Color includes men who identify as Asian American, Black or African American, Desi American, Indigenous, Latinx, Mixed heritage, Native American, and Pacific Islander 

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Registration 
Register on RamConnect (link below) by Sunday, February 21 

http://cglink.me/r945424

http://cglink.me/r945424

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Conference Schedule 
10am-11am 
Introduction & Keynote Conversation: Rodney McLeod 
https://wcupa.zoom.us/j/92663978855?pwd=R2RNNUFKelRqaE5TTld5Q0x4UFZ0dz09 
Meeting ID: 926 6397 8855 
Passcode: 614911 
 
11:15am-12pm 
Workshop 1: No More Excuses- Giving (and getting) Our Best in Relationships Facilitated by Mike Burwell 
https://wcupa.zoom.us/j/7899050614?pwd=bm9OcWN2d0Iza3JhVFFyVWpCd1VFUT09 
Meeting ID: 789 905 0614 
Passcode: 838701 
 
1pm-1:45pm 
Workshop 2: Facing Expectations & Achieving Reality Facilitated by Patrick Robinson 
https://wcupa.zoom.us/j/7899050614?pwd=bm9OcWN2d0Iza3JhVFFyVWpCd1VFUT09 
Meeting ID: 789 905 0614 
Passcode: 838701 
 
3pm-4:15pm 
Mental Wellness Journey Panel & Closing 
https://wcupa.zoom.us/j/96611380240?pwd=T2hWNWVTYllWTEtPOTFOb01zZjhpQT09 
Meeting ID: 966 1138 0240 
Passcode: 519955 

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Conference Mission  
The Brothers of Excellence Conference will provide college Men of Color with the knowledge and community connections to:  
-identify a social issue that impacts Men of Color.  
-explore their civic leadership roles in connection with their multiple identities.   
-recognize resources and individuals to create a sense of community of support on campus.  

Theme: Strength in Numbers  
This year's 5th Annual Brothers of Excellence Conference, “Strength in Numbers” will focus on the importance of love and unity among the community of Men of Color. United we stand, divided we fall. It is in fact, the strength in numbers that empowers us as individuals and in creating change for our communities.   

For questions email multicultural@wcupa.edu 

 

Conversation Series on Latinx Farmworkers and Immigrant Women 

Mondays, October 5, 12, 19 | 12 PM

 
Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/dmc-latinx-fiw

In anticipation of our keynote speaker for Latinx Heritage Month: Monica Ramirez, we will host this conversation series. Participants will be provided with videos and media to have discussions about various intersecting topics: farmworkers, immigrant women’s experiences, and gender equity in the workplace. Join us to delve deeper into these topics.
*Joining every conversation is encouraged but not required.
Zoom link and videos will be provided after sign-up and before each event.

Sponsored by the Dowdy Multicultural Center & the Center for Women & Gender Equity 

Latinx Heritage Month Trivia 

Monday, October 12 | 7:30 PM | 

Register Here: http://cglink.me/s36202

Sponsored by LASO & the Dowdy Multicultural Center 

Cultural Heritage Month Speaker Series:  Seeking Justice for Migrant Communities Amidst COVID-19 with Mónica Ramírez 

Wednesday, October 14

Sponsored by the Dowdy Multicultural Center, the Center for Women & Gender Equity & the Women's Commission

Native American Heritage Month 2021 Calendar of Events

 

Native American Heritage Month Social Justice Education Conversation Series

Mondays, November 1st, 8th, and 15th  |  1:15 PM – 2:15 PM  |  DMC (Sykes 003)

 

November 1st Topic: Environmental Justice

November 8th Topic: Violence against Native American & Indigenous women

November 15th Topic: Decolonizing Thanksgiving

 

Register on RamConnect

 

Smithsonian American Indian Museum / Native American Heritage Month Livestream Tour

Saturday, November 6th  |  11:00 AM - 12:30 PM  |  Virtual (Register for Link)

Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/SAIMTour (Minimum Donation of $1 Required)

 

Native American Heritage Month Speaker Event:

The Lenape Peoples: Past, Present, and Future presented by Daniel StrongWalker Thomas and Katelyn Lucas

Wednesday, November 17th  |  6:00 PM  |  Zoom (Register for Zoom Link)

Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/NAHMSpeak21   

Katelyn and Daniel will present an overview of the history of the Lenape (a.k.a. Delaware) peoples, and discuss the state of the multiple federally recognized Lenape sovereign Nations today whose homelands encompass eastern PA, NJ, DE and parts of NY. Their presentation will focus on the impacts of settler colonial violence, land grabs, broken treaties and other key historical events which resulted in centuries of forced removals of the Lenape people. Daniel will define and discuss the ongoing issue of  corporations posing as indigenous nations, and how it’s impacts on Lenape Nations today. Katelyn will also touch on her work as a Tribal Historic Preservation Assistant for Delaware Nation, overviewing topics such as museum ethics, land acknowledgements, and efforts of reconciliation. 

 

Celebrate! with Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers presented by John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Saturday, November 20th  |  11:30 AM – 12:30 PM  |  Virtual (Register for Link)

Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/celebrateNAHM

 

Indigenous Activism Inside and Outside the Academy: Perspectives from a WCU Alum
Women & Gender Studies Department & the Dowdy Multicultural Center Presents:

Tuesday, November 23rd | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Zoom Meeting ID: 938 0727 9718
Password: Activism

Please join us for a discussion with WCU Women's and Gender Studies alum and Indigenous rights activist, Kelsey Rose Kahsonnanowro Diabo. In this Q&A style discussion, Kelsey will share her reflections on the lived realities of what social justice work can look like, both from her time as a student and now as an alum. Indigenous activism has had a critical role intersecting in all facets other life, ranging from academics to athleticism, and Kelsey will reflect on her time at WCU, offering perspectives on continuing justice-centered work after graduating.

 

Native American Heritage Month Lunch & Learn

Tuesday, November 30th  |  12:30 PM – 1 :30 PM  |  Only 15 Slots. Register for Location.

Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/NAHMLunchLearn

BLM Week of Action in Schools: Centering WCU Student and Alumni Voices

Thursday, February 4th, 3:00 PM | Black Lives Matter Week of Action in Schools

Register Here: http://bit.ly/BLMVOICES

 

Black History Month Trivia

Thursday, February 4th, 6:30 PM | Dowdy Multicultural Center

Register Here: http://cglink.me/r942364

 

Gender, Race, and University Administration: A Conversation with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum

Monday, February 8th, 4:00 PM | Greater Philadelphia Women's Studies Consortium

Register Here: http://bit.ly/353GyLi

 

“Weaponized to Kill: Race and Violence in America's Gendered Carceral Evolution” Dr. Sowande' Mustakeem, Washington University in St. Louis.

Tuesday, February 9th, 3:30 PM | The Institute of Race and Ethnic Studies

Attend here. 

 

Beyond Covid and Protests: Black Communities’ Agency featuring Nyles Fort

Wednesday, February 10th, 12:15 PM | Dowdy Multicultural Center and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Register Here: http://cglink.me/r942484

 

Making History: Black Voters and Black Women - Black History Month Speaker: Nyle Fort

Wednesday, February 10th, 6:45 PM | Dowdy Multicultural Center and the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Register Here: http://cglink.me/r942562

 

Honoring the Beauty of Blackness Conversation Series 

Wednesdays, February 10th, 17th, & 24th, 2:00 pm | Dowdy Multicultural Center

Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/wcudmc-bhm

 

NO! The Rape Documentary: An evening with Aishah Shahidah Simmons

Wednesday, February 24th, 6:00 PM | Hosted by: Peace and Conflict Studies, Department of Philosophy, Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, Center for Women and Gender Equity, Dowdy Multicultural Center, and Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy. Sponsored by: Innovation in Diversity & Inclusion Grant

Register Here: Event Registration

 

OURS: Black Folks Discourse on Knowledge, Love and Healing Conference

Saturday, February 27- Sunday, February 28th

Register Here: Conference Registration

 

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Narratives Conversation Series

Wednesdays, April 7, 14 and 21 

Time: 3:30 PM

Register here: http://cglink.me/2f3/r922101

 

Join us for a conversation series to celebrate APIDA Heritage Month. We will view and discuss short videos on the diverse APIDA community narratives.

 

Cultural Heritage Month Speaker Series: APIDA Heritage Month featuring Kristina Wong and Dr. Simran Jeet Singh

Date: Wednesday, April 14

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Register here: http://cglink.me/2f3/r1054022 

 

This discussion will highlight the rich diverse and history of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American communities in the U.S. Speakers will also so connect racial justice movements across the APIDA communities and specifically discuss the ongoing racism that is impacting Asian, Pacific Islander and Asian American communities because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

APIDA Heritage Month Trivia

Tuesday, April 20 at 6 PM

Register Here: http://cglink.me/r1063080

Join us for some trivia fun while learning about Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage and history. The top 3 winners will win Amazon gift cards!

 

APIDA Heritage Month Netflix Party

Tuesday, April 27 at 6 PM
Register Here: http://cglink.me/r1063094

Join us for a Netflix party and learn about Asian Pacific Islander Desi American culture and representation in the media.

 

APIDA Student Space

Thursday, May 6 at 4 PM

Register Here: http://cglink.me/r1063156

This is open for a community of students who self-identify as Asian Pacific Islander Desi American to connect with one another.