2014 Diversity Awareness Month Reception

On November 12, 2014, the Multicultural & InternationalStudent Programs Office (MISPO) held the reception to celebrate the 2014 Diversity Awareness Month.  

“What does diversity mean to you?” Mark Atkinson – president of the Student Government Association and our M.C. for this event brought this question to the audience.   One person said “Diversity is variety of unique people” and another person said “Diversity is having everyone’s voice to be heard.”  As you can see, everyone has the own review of “What is diversity”.  Mark read an inspirational poem – “I am Diversity, Please Include Me” by Charels Bennafield to kick off the reception.

Dr. Cliff Jernigan, the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies, was this year’s keynote speaker.  Dr. Jernigan used Marvin Gaye’s song “What’s Going On” as the background music to start his speech.  He gave the review of diversity with the history of civil rights, women’s rights, gay rights, people with disabilities, Latino rights, and undocumented people.  He emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration in human rights and social movements and encouraged the young generation to extend the collaboration and communication with purpose and passion – the future of diversity is your world, your time…

After the speech, Hofstra Bhangra group performed the Bhangra dance to show the audience diversity in another way. 

Attendees of the program received a mirror button that had “beyond the surface” displayed on the back.  We hope this inspires them to think about diversity in an expansive way.  When you think of diversity, look beyond the surface.  There are a lot of things you will find and learn.   

Throughout November we have several events and programs to celebrate the Diversity Awareness Month.  Please join the events and share your stories and experiences on social media using #diverseHU14.