Spirit of Identity Week

JAVĿ¼ celebrates the different cultures and communities on campus during Spirit of Identity Week beginning with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day each year.

Throughout the week, departments, groups, and affinity clubs host events to highlight topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

2024 Spirit of Identity Week Schedule

Students dance as part of Spirit of Identity Week.

Monday, January 15

  • MLK Gala hosted by BSU
    6 p.m., Cleary Auditorium

Tuesday, January 16

  • Birth While Black: Understanding Black Maternal Health presentation by Denise Bolds
    11 a.m., Zoom:
  • International Market 
    12:30 p.m., Donald E. Bain Campus Center Atrium
  • I Was Never Meant to Fit In! Ted Talk by Dr. Christine Brown Richards
    12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Basil 135
  • Innovations in Multicultural Marketing:  Leveraging Diversity for Market Success presented by the American Marketing Association
    12:30 to 1 p.m., Salerno 203
  • Identity Mural collaborative craft
    12:30 to 1:30, Campus Center Atrium
  • Global Footprints: Dance Festival
    6 p.m., Cleary Auditorium
  • Multicultural Dance Event hosted by Teddi Dance for Love
    7:30 p.m., Wilson Formal
  • Black Mental Health Professionals in a White Profession panel facilitated by the Graduate Mental Health Counseling Department
    7 p.m., Wegmans School of Nursing 100
Students paint a tree and add their handprints as leaves during Spirit of Identity Week.

Wednesday, January 17

  • Identity and Wellness table during Wellness Wednesday
    11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Donald E. Bain Campus Center Atrium
  • Student Meeting with Dr. Eboo Patel
    3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wilson Formal
  • Spirit of Identity Week Keynote Address by Dr. Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith America
    7 p.m., Cleary Auditorium
  • Decorate and Design JAVĿ¼ Playbill Covers with Cardinal Company
    8:30 p.m., Basil 119

Thursday, January 18

  • Everybody Deserves to Be Loved hosted by the JAVĿ¼ Student Respect Alliance (FSRA)
    12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Location TBD
  • Inclusion Lives Here table hosted by Best Buddies
    12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tepas Commons
  • Faculty and Staff Workshops with Dr. Eboo Patel
    12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wilson Formal
  • Inclusive Teaching: Creating Classrooms Where Our Students Feel They Belong hosted by DePeters Family Center for Innovation and Teaching Excellence
    12:30 p.m., DePeters Family Center
  • An Evening with Penny Sterling
    6 p.m., Wilson Formal
  • There’s Gnome One Like You gnome-making craft and snacks hosted by the Psychology Club
    7 p.m., COP Conference Room

Friday, January 19

  • Remembering the First field trip to the Seneca Art and Culture Center
    1:30 p.m., bus departs JAVĿ¼, and the event begins at 2 p.m. at Helmer Nature Center
  • Cultural Kaleidoscope: Exploring Diverse Identities presented by LSU
    5 p.m., Wilson Formal

Saturday, January 20

  • Runway around the world...Festival of Nations
    4 p.m., Cleary Auditorium