2. 2
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to the Multicultural Resource Center!
March was extremely busy for the MRC. Our Annual Letter Writing Campaign exceeded last year’s
numbers with more than 750 letters written to prospective students! Thanks to everyone who
participated in our efforts to increase the student of color population at Binghamton University!
Cultural Competency training has been the focus of many discussions in recent months. Kappa
Sigma Fraternity hosted “Racial Equality and Sexual Assault Prevention Education Workshop” with
presentations by ODEI/MRC. Kudos to Kappa Sigma and to all the members of Greek Life that came
out and participated. Then MRC hosted Building Bridges to Cultural Competency, Phase I on March
31st. We thank all those who see the importance of cultural competency and have taken the time
to get educated and get involved.
April promises to be just as busy! This month is Sexual
Assault Awareness Month; be on the lookout for events, such
as Take Back the Night, dedicated to spreading awareness.
Day of Silence, where students take a day-long vow of silence
to represent the silencing of the LGBTQ community and their
supporters, will take place on April 17. On April 21 and
April 27, ODEI will bring Dr. Maura Cullen and The Academic
Network to conduct workshops for Administration, faculty/staff
and students; details will be available on the ODEI website.
Then on April 28, BAMS and ODEI/MRC will host Diversity is
Strength: Binghamton’s Micromessaging Project.
Lastly, applications for Fall 2015 MRC internships are available
and are due by April 15th. We urge you to take part in these
events and join the MRC Family. Rest up during spring break
as the end of the semester is jam packed!
Stay Tuned, MRC Staff
Interested in advertising in the MRC Culture
Connects Newsletter?
Increase your business among Binghamton University students, faculty and staff. The MRC is home
to more than 100 cultural student organizations on campus. With more than 1,700 students
subscribed to our Monthly Newsletter, consider us a great marketing tool for reaching the university
community. Binghamton University’s student of color and International student populations are
increasing. Make your business more visible among students.
For more information, please contact Mengchen Huang at mhuang@binghamton.edu or 707-777-6071
Diversity is Strength includes an art gallery of personalized microaggressions, a speech from
MRC Director Dr. Nicole Sirju-Johnson, panel discussion, spoken word performances, and more.
3. 3
MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Culture
Connects Grant
Recipients
Congratulations
to our April 2015
Culture Connects
Program Grant
recipients:
Chinese
American
Student Union
Delta Epsilon Psi
Hillel
Latin American
Student Union
Pakistani
Students
Association
Quimbamba
Vietnamese
Student
Association
Join the MRC Family!
Marketing applications (resume and cover letter) must be emailed to
Tanyah Barnes at tbarnes@binghamton.edu by Monday, April 13. All other
applications (resume and cover letter) must be emailed to Mengchen
Huang at mhuang@binghamton.edu by Wednesday, April 15. For more
information about each position, visit our website at mrc.binghamton.edu.
MRC Program Assistant Interns:
•Hours: Minimum 8-10 hours per week throughout the semester.
•Compensation: Interns will get up to 2 CDC Internship credits per semester.
Program Assistant Interns reach out to student groups to participate in MRC
programs, assist with all aspects of event preparation, and organize and
maintain outreach materials.
MRC Culture Connectors Fall 2015- Spring 2016:
•Hours: Maximum 4 hours per week throughout the semester.
MRC Culture Connectors is a volunteer program that is designed to provide
students an opportunity to connect with the diverse cultural community on
campus. Volunteers will participate in a wide variety of activities that allow
them to capitalize on their cultural competency and professional experience.
MRC Marketing Interns (Fall 2015-Spring 2016 Graduate Intern positions
available):
•Hours: Minimum 8-10 hours per week throughout the semester.
•Compensation: Undergraduate Interns will get up to 2 CDC Internship credits
per semester. Graduate Interns will get 2 semesters of academic/professional
internship credit.
Marketing interns will work on various tasks in graphic design, social media,
photography, and content management/web design. They will work on the
monthly MRC newsletter, our website, weekly emails, and more.
MRC Graduate Intern for Cultural Outreach and Programming
•Hours: Minimum 12-15 hours per week throughout the semester.
•Compensation: Graduate interns will receive up to 3 CDC Internship credits per semester.
The graduate interns assist the MRC Assistant Director in acting as a liaison for different cultural
student population, assisting in community building and identity development, and offering
educational opportunities for the Binghamton University campus on cultural community issues
and concerns. This position reports directly to the MRC Assistant Director.
MRC Graduate Intern for Office Management
•Hours: Minimum 12-15 hours per week throughout the semester.
•Compensation: Graduate interns will receive up to 3 CDC Internship credits per semester.
The graduate intern assists the MRC Assistant Director in organizing and training undergraduate
interns and volunteers, managing the assessments of all MRC Programs, and overseeing the
scheduling of MRC meetings and events. This position reports directly to the MRC Assistant
Director.
4. 4
MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
In 1976, women rallied Take Back the Night marches against the violence
they encountered as they walked the streets at night. These marches
coordinated into a movement across the United States and Europe. In the
late 1980s, the National Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCASA) advocated
for a national Sexual Assault Awareness Week in April. Domestic violence
awarenss became the main focus. In the late 1990s, many supporters called
for a nationally recognized month. Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
was first observed nationally in 2001. In 2009, President Obama was the
first president to proclaim April as SAAM.
For more information, visit nsvrc.org and cdc.gov. See the opposite page for
SAAM events. Be on the lookout for additional SAAM events hosted by the
Interpersonal Violence Prevention Program (IVPP), Women’s Student Union,
and other student organizations.
Kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month
with tabling at the Marketplace from
12-4pm on 4/1. Teal hair extensions,
manicures, and other freebies will be
available. State, territory, and tribal
sexual violence coalitions were polled
in 2000 and determined the color teal
was the preferred color for sexual
assault awareness. The teal ribbon is
the symbol of sexual assault awareness
and prevention.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
5. 5
MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Take Back the Night with Women’s
Student Union! Rally against sexual
violence at the Peacemaker’s Stage
at 8pm on 4/17. After, head on over
to Uncorked Creations at 9pm for
Survivor’s Speakout, which is a safe
space for survivors of gender-based,
sexual, and domestic violence to share
their stories.
It’s On Us Campaign
April 13th-April 19th
Hillel and IVPP will be tabling and promoting this national White House campaign to prevent
sexual assault on college campuses. Look out for their events during this week!
Screening: The Hunting Ground
Thursday, April 16th, 8:00pm, FA 209
Join the Women’s Student Union to watch The Hunting Ground documentary which exposes rape
culture on college campuses.
Screening: It Happened Here
Wednesday, April 15th, 6:30pm, Undergrounds
The documentary It Happened Here explores sexual assault on college campuses. A panel of
resources and stories from a survivor will speak afterwards.
Take Back the Night - Friday, April 17th, 8:00pm, Peacemaker’s Stage (details below)
Crime Victims Rights Wall of Victims
Monday, April 20th, Oakdale Mall (near Sears)
The Crime Victims Assistance Center’s annual memorial wall is back at Oakdale Mall. The wall
includes pictures and information about homicide victims from the Greater Binghamton area.
The Clothesline Project
Tuesday, April 21st, 11:00am-4:00pm, the Spine (outside of Library Tower)
Shirts will be hung up with first names or initials of victims or perpetrators of violence. Pick up a
shirt until April 17 from 8:30am-4:30pm at the Health Education Office, DSUSC-124, Late Nite GA
Office, or UUW-208F and return it by April 20. Contact Amber Ingalls at aingalls@binghamton.edu
or Kyrie Kirn at kkirn1@binghamton.edu for more information.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
6. 6
MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Day of Silence
The first Day of Silence event was organized by Maria Pulzetti at the University of
Virginia in 1996. Students take a day-long vow of silence to symbolically represent
the silencing of LGBTQ students and their supporters. Pulzetti wanted to make a
big impact that would be very noticeable. Panel discussions and guest speakers
would only attract the people who were already aware of the issues in the LGBTQ
community.
For more information, visit dayofsilence.org and glsen.org. Be on the lookout
for events hosted by SHADES (4/13-4/18), Rainbow Pride Union (RPU), Equality
Project, and other student organizations.
SHADES Week
Monday, April 13th - Saturday, April 18th
Look out for events hosted by SHADES the entire week!
Break the Silence (hosted by the Equality Project)
Friday, April 17th, 8:00-10:00pm, Appalachian Dining Hall (details below)
All About the T (Transexual)
Friday, April 17th; time and location TBD
Discuss the transgender community and the issues they face. This event is hosted by SHADES and
is a SHADES Week event.
Let’s Talk About Sex
Saturday, April 18th, 8:00pm, UU120
Discuss sex with RPU. It is $2 in advance. Co-sponsored by M4.
Second Chance Prom (hosted by RPU)
Friday, April 24th, 9:00pm-12:00am, Appalachian Dining Hall
(details on page 10)
At the end of Day of Silence on 4/17, Break the
Silence with the Equality Project! Break the Silence
is a celebration of the LGBTQ community through
self-expression. Numerous student groups such
as Explorchestra and No Strings Attached will
perform, along with other student performers.
8pm in Appalachian Dining Hall
7. 7
MRC Upcoming Events
MRC would like you to save the date for the following upcoming events:
MRC Weekly Friday Tabling
April 17th through May 1st, 12:00-4:00pm, Marketplace
Visit the MRC table for a different theme every week!
MRC Asian Heritage Month Kick-Off Celebration
Saturday, April 25th, 5:00-7:00pm, C4 Multipurpose Room
May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. MRC invites you to celebrate with
games, activities, food, and fun!
Diversity in Strength: Binghamton’s Micromessaging Project (hosted by BAMS
in collaboration with ODEI/MRC and 11 SA organizations)
Tuesday, April 28th, 6:00pm, Mandela Room
Enjoy an art gallery of personalized microaggressions, a keynote speech by MRC
Director Dr. Nicole Sirju-Johnson, panel discussion, spoken word performances, and
more.
MRC Student Leaders Meeting
Tuesday, April 28th, 7:00-8:00pm, UU 108
Student leaders of organizations are encouraged to come to this meeting to learn
about upcoming MRC events.
MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Empowering Students of Color
This group is open for any student who identifies as a student of color. It will discuss
issues of cultural uniqueness and the impact that it has on the balance of work/
academic/personal relationships. For more information about the group, please email
LeAnna Rice, Mental Health Outreach Coordinator/Counselor at lrice@binghamton.edu.
Women’s Group
This group is open to anyone who identifies as a woman, of any background, who is
looking for a safe and supportive atmosphere to discuss what it means to be a woman,
and the impact of that identity in work/academic/personal relationships. The group
may also include therapeutic exercises to help group members build stronger self-
concepts and esteem. For more information about the group, please email LeAnna
Rice, Mental Health Outreach Coordinator/Counselor at lrice@binghamton.edu.
University Counseling Upcoming Events
8. 8
MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Watch the Russian National Ballet perform
Sleeping Beauty in the Anderson Center
at 12pm on 4/14. The Russian National
Ballet upholds the grand traditions of
major Russian ballet works. For tickets and
information, call 607-777-ARTS or visit
anderson.binghamton.edu.
Diverse Cultural Xcellence has its 3rd annual
fashion show featuring kids from the Boys & Girls
Club on 4/18 in Old Union Hall. 6-7pm is Mocktail
Hour and 7-10pm is the fashion show! Formal
attire required. Tickets are $8 and are inflated
at the door. Email the President of DCX, Siobhan
Alban, at salban1@binghamton.edu for more
information.
Walk to fight suicide at the Out of the Darkness
Walk. Join others to raise awareness and
funds for the American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention on 4/18 at 11am in Hinman Quad.
For more information, email Kristen Mulvena
at kmulvn@binghamton.edu.
9. 9
CKS and KASA present Korean Night on
4/18 at 7:30 in the West Gym. There
will be various performances celebrating
Korean talent, from Sul Poong to dancing
by KASA MODA. YouTube star David So will
also perform. Tickets are $4 in advance
and $8 at the door.
MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join the Pakistani Students Association in
a mock traditioanl Pakistani wedding, with
food, dances, and henna. Contact pakistani@
binghamtonsa.org for tickets ($5). 4/19 in
the Mandela Room. Doors open at 6:15.
The French comedy, Tartuffe [or] the
Imposter, is coming to Watters Theater!
Shows are at 8pm on 4/24, 4/25, 5/1,
and 5/2, and 2pm on 5/3. Buy tickets
at anderson.binghamton.edu. $8 for
students, $12 for alumni/faculty/seniors,
and $14 for public admission.
10. 10
MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Take a Trip through the Diaspora in
Africa, the US, Caribbean, and Latin
America. This will occur through a spoken
narrative and a series of performances.
4/21 in Old Union Hall at 6pm
The 1st Annual Second Chance Prom hosted
by RPU is on 4/24 at 9pm in Appalachian
Dining Hall. Tickets are $3 in advance and
$4 at the door. Enjoy an Italian buffet,
photobooth, and good music!
Ultimate Frisbee Tournament - Saturday, April 18th, Mountainview Field
Hosted by Delta Epsilon Psi, the 7v7 Ultimate Frisbee Tournament costs $3 for
Greeks and $5 for regular tickets with a grand cash prize of $200. There is a
maximum of 10 people per team. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. For
more information, contact Kenny Blando at 631-759-1805 or
depsialphaeta@gmail.com.
11. 11
Kick off Latin Weekend with the third
annual Nuestra Belleza y Nuestro
Galan Latin@ Scholarship Pageant on
4/24 at 6:30pm in Old Union Hall. One
male and one female will win. If you
would like to be a contestant, email
LASU@binghamtonsa.org.
Learn about various cultures
through calligraphy, origami,
henna, and more in Mohawk’s
World Fair from 12-4pm in the
College-in-the-Woods Courtyard.
Speak with educated global
professionals, sing and dance
with various student groups, and
eat foods from all over the world!
MRC NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
12. 12
Contact Us
Location: Library South G 548
Phone: (607) 777-4472
Fax: (607)777-2373
Email: mrc@binghamton.edu
Staff
Nicole Sirju-Johnson - Director
njohnson@binghamton.edu
Mengchen Huang - Assistant Director
mhuang@binghamton.edu
Multicultural Resource Center via Social Media
