Unity Week 2023 Schedule of Events 

Monday, January 16

MLK Celebration Breakfast, Student Center, 9:30 a.m.

Annual MLK Celebration hosted by the Muncie Community and Ball State University to commemorate the life and contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK Unity Week March, Student Center, 11:30 a.m.

Meet outside of the Student Center for the Annual Unity Week March to follow the MLK Breakfast

 

Tuesday, January 17

MLK Speaker, Pruis Hall, 7:00 p.m.

The featured speaker this year is Chloe Barnes, Lead for Curation Standards (Representation and Inclusion) at Twitter. 

Ms. Barnes, a Ball State graduate and Division I college basketball player, has also been an entrepreneur, facilitator, podcaster, and a DE&I (diversity, equity, and inclusion) advocate. At Twitter, Ms. Barnes’ many duties include the development of initiatives that help Twitter improve its global processes, policies, and programs, and help the social media platform include diverse and underrepresented voices in Twitter’s curated content. We hope to see you all on Tuesday!

 

Wednesday, January 18 

Disability Services Training, SC Forum Room, 3:00 p.m.

Spectrum Queer Monologues, Pruis Hall, 8:00 p.m.

Spectrum presents a free, theatrical performance of coming out stories. Stories will address humorous, challenging, heartbreaking, and real experiences many folx in the Queer Community Face. All welcome!

 

Thursday, January 19

Housing and Residence Life Habitat for Humanity Service Project, 1-4 p.m.

Asian Student Union Sushi Night, Multicultural Center, 5:00 p.m.

Sushi – Japan’s National Dish. In Japanese culture, influenced by Buddhism, the fish represents freedom of will, fearlessness, and happiness. As we move into Unity Week, we hope to empower Cardinals in seeking out their happiness and enduring their authentic selves. Come join the Asian Student Union for our Sushi Night to eat and learn about Asian cultures.

 

Friday, January 20

Latinx Student Union Latinxpalooza, SC Cardinal Hall, 7:00 p.m.

Latinxpalooza is a long-standing and annual non-competitive talent showcase hosted by the Latinx Student Union. Come for the variety of talents – dancing, singing, and more. Stay for the cultural and community appreciation!

Unity Week Film Screening of “Stranger at the Gate”, Pruis Hall, 9:00 p.m.

“Stranger at the Gate” tells a story of hope and redemption set in Muncie.  After 25 years of service, U.S. Marine Mac McKinney returns home to Indiana filled with an all-consuming rage toward the people he had been fighting against. Still fueled by his desire to fight for his country, he plans to bomb the local mosque.  But when he comes face to face with the community of Afghan refugees and others of Muslim faith that he seeks to kill, his plan takes an unexpected turn. 

Directed and produced by Joshua Seftel, and winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival, and a Special Jury Mention for Best Documentary Short at the Tribeca Festival among other awards. 

The film is 30 minutes long and includes images of explosions, and descriptions of violence and hate toward Muslims. 

Dr. Matthew Hotham, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, will facilitate a panel discussion afterwards which will include Bibi Bahrami and Richard McKinney, both featured in the film, as well as Joshua Seftel, the director.

This is a Reel Inclusion/Friday Night Filmworks screening, held as part of Unity Week events. 

 

Saturday, January 21

Beneficence Leadership Conference, Student Center, 9:00 a.m.

The fifth annual Beneficence Leadership Conference offers students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to learn with and from each other. The Conference will be held on Saturday, January 21st in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. This is a free, open-access opportunity that is hosted by the Office of Student Life in collaboration with the Multicultural Center and Housing & Residence Life.

Unify the Night, Student Center, 8:00 p.m.

Late Nite @ Ball State offers a series of high-energy events which provide quality entertainment for Ball State University students every Saturday night. Late Nite events are hosted by students, for students and always include great food, awesome activities, and tons of fun!

 

Sunday, January 22

Black Student Association Unity Pageant, Pruis Hall, 7:00 p.m. 

The Black Student Association’s 54th Unity Pageant will be on January 22nd at Pruis Hall. The Unity Pageant is Ball State BSA’s premiere co-ed pageant. This pageant gives students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and talents for the chance to win one of a number of scholarships. Unity Pageant began in 1969 originally being hosted as Miss Black Ball State. Throughout the years there have been many changes to the pageant, making it what it is today. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will start at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you there!

 

Unity Week 22 is sponsored by:

·         Asian Student Union

·         Black Student Association

·         College of Communication, Information, and Media

·         Housing and Residence Life

·         Latinx Student Union

·         Office of the President 

·         Office of Student Life 

·         Spectrum

·         Student Center Programs

·         University Libraries 

 

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