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Press Releases | |
Feb 09, 2000
Contact:
"Celebrating Diversity": A Weekend of Awareness
Darren Johnson
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081Southampton, NY - As a part of Black History Month, the Social Cultural Committee of Southampton College of Long Island University presents "Celebrating Diversity" February 11-13 with seminars and celebrations on campus.
Keynote speaker will be Mohammed Bilal of MTV's "The Real World: San Francisco." Bilal's talk is titled "Twelve Steps to Diversity" and will deal with race relations, AIDS awareness and personal responsibility. The event is on Saturday, February 12 at 8 p.m. in Southampton College's Avram Theater. Tickets are $7 for the public, $5 for Southampton College employees and $2 for College students. For more information, call (631) 287-8361.
Bilal has seen the negative effect that racism, drug abuse, AIDS and violence have on young people. As a cast member of "The Real World," he has addressed issues ranging from personal conflict to watching a friend suffer with AIDS. As a drug and alcohol counselor, he saw substance abuse increase among teens. Through his AIDS awareness presentations, he offers solutions on how we can better accept the reality of HIV and AIDS.
Bilal will take the audience through a fun, interactive program that uses 12 steps to becoming more appreciative toward diversity. Mohammed combines his message with a high-energy, hip-hop storytelling format.
Other events include a poetry reading, a party, discussions where students face problems like racism and sexual discrimination and more. Also, 23 student leaders from inner-city Beach Channel High School in Queens will be dorming at Southampton College. The two institutions last year forged a partnership, based largely on their similar interests in the study of marine biology, writing and web-page design. The two schools from very different environments share resources and teachers. The goal is to further diversify the Southampton College population, while showing BCHS kids that the college experience can be challenging but attainable.
"Celebrating Diversity" Schedule of Events:
Friday, February 11
Introductory Reception, Kanas Lobby, Chancellors Hall, 6 p.m.
Poetry Night, RAT, Wood Hall, 8 p.m., Guest Host: Brenda Simmons; Party, 11 p.m.
Saturday, February 12
Brenda Simmons: "Response in Diversity," Student Lounge, Wood Hall, 11 a.m.
Charles Hitchcock: "Bias in Sexual Orientation," TV Lounge, Wood Hall, 11:30 a.m.
Lauri Haines: "Skin Deep: College Students Confronting Racism," Student Lounge, Wood Hall, 12:30 p.m.
Amy Urquhart: "Sexual Harrasment," TV Lounge, Wood Hall, 2 p.m.
Tabari Zaid, Motivational Speaker, Student Lounge, Wood Hall, 2:30 p.m.
Margaret Madden: "Ethnicity in the Curriculum," TV Lounge, Wood Hall, 3pm
Keynote Speaker - Mohammed Bilal (from MTV's "Real World: San Francisco"), 8 p.m., Avram Theater, Fine Arts Building.