University
of Illinois at Chicago Office of Public Affairs (MC 288)
601 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607-7113, (312) 996-3456, www.uic.edu/depts/paff
| August 31, 2001 | Contact: Bryant Payne, (312) 355-2523, bpayne2@uic.edu |
UIC CELEBRATES UNITY MONTH
"Symbol/Stereotype/Image/Identity," the University of Illinois at Chicago's 2001 Unity Month celebration, explores contemporary concerns about group image and identity and the impact of stereotypes on social status.
The Human Relations Foundation of Chicago designates September as Unity Month, to increase sensitivity to issues of gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, and ability/disability.
"Diversity is one of the hallmarks of our campus," said UIC Chancellor Sylvia Manning. "UIC has been honored for its commitment to creating a campus environment that supports diversity. It is with great pride that we host Unity Month and celebrate unity with each other and with the community."
Most events are free and open to the public. Group arrangements are available upon request. All events will be held on the UIC campus. For persons with disabilities who require special accommodations, please call (312) 413-3380.
Detailed information about the workshops, including speakers, discussion topics and a schedule of events is available online.
Among the upcoming scheduled events:
"Unity Month Opening Reception." UIC, the City Commission on Human Relations and the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago celebrate the opening of Unity Month. Sept. 5.
"Celebrating Research on Women and Gender." The Center for Research on Women and Gender marks its 10th anniversary and the publication of "Women Building Chicago, 1790-1990: a Biographical Dictionary." Sept. 5.
"Escucha Mi Grito 01." Conference at the Rafael Cintron-Ortiz Latino Cultural Center featuring Pire Thomas and others. Sept. 5-7 and 12-14.
"Indian Health Services Executive Leadership Development Program." Training for clinicians and other personnel to assume leadership in the Indian Health Services including networking, partnership building and working in collaboration with institutions, agencies and health care consumers. Sept. 9-13.
"Eye of the Storm." Luncheon and discussion of the 1968 documentary on stereotyping by eye color will be shown, followed by a discussion led by UIC police officers. Sept. 11.
"Wellness Walk." Third annual Unity Walk connects the east and west campus in an hour-long walk exploring diversity, multiculturalism and unity through key landmarks and institutions near UIC. Sept. 12.
"Stereotypes and Symbols." Lecture by Michael Bird, president of the American Public Health Association and Native American activist. Respondents: Phillip Bowman, the UIC Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy, and Pat Mendoza, Regional Council for Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund. Sept. 12.
"Straight But Not Narrow: Finding Your Ally Voice for the GLBT Community." Discussion on support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals. Sept. 12.
"Native American Pow Wow." A social event for Native Americans from a variety of different tribal nations and non-native Indian friends and families to get together and participate in visiting, singing and dancing. A cultural sharing event for all to learn about Native Americans and exchange ideas and information. Sept. 13.
"Is 'The Sopranos' Off Key?" Luncheon and discussion on the portrayal of Italian-American culture, history and community. Led by Dominic DiFrisco, founding member of the Italian-American Human Relations Foundation and member of the Illinois Human Rights Commission. Sept. 18.
"Taste of UIC." Al fresco dining featuring ethnic cuisine and musical entertainment; games, contest and prizes. Sept. 19.
"Plant Crops Not Land Mines." Discussion of world hunger and land mines, in preparation for the October 21, Crop Walk sponsored by Campus Ministries. Sept. 20.
"Dispelling Stereotypes." Luncheon sponsored by the Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Blacks in collaboration with other chancellor committees. Sept. 20.
"The Way Home." Dinner and discussion of video directed by Shakti Butler. Discussion led by Bryant Marks, African-American studies, and Michelle James, Counseling Center, focuses on issues of race gender, class and sexual orientation. Sponsored by the Office of Women's Affairs. Sept. 20.
"Hull-House Magazine and the Cultural Front in Chicago, 1930 - 1945." Conference on the intellectual and cultural life at Hull-House. Sept. 21-22.
"Tribe: People of Color in Good Health." Panel discussion on physical, spiritual and mental health for gay, lesbian and bisexual people of color. Sponsored by the Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns, the Wellness Center and Chicago's Test Positive Aware Network. Sept. 26.
"Implications of Native American Dietary Patterns: Past, Present and Future." Luncheon and discussion with speaker Vickie Wade. Sept. 27.
Exhibits
"Power of Creation." Art exhibit by Dale Washington. Sept. 1-30.
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