Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center
Cultural Heritage Month Programming
The University of Dayton and the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center is committed to recognizing the histories, cultures, experiences, and contributions of diverse populations. Through cultural programming, MEC supports the University of Dayton’s academic mission by providing educational opportunities that assist students in exploring new experiences while also enhancing their understanding of their cultural identity. In collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and the Dayton community, MEC seeks to provide thought-provoking co-curricular programming that supports the personal development of all students, while also influencing the campus climate.
Educate, Empower, Engage
Individuals that participate in Cultural Heritage Month programming will:
- learn new knowledge about their culture or a culture different than their own.
- be exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences that will affirm their cultural identity.
- be exposed to experiences that complement the academic mission of the University.
Programming Schedules
Events
Planning for Latinx Heritage Month 2025 is underway! Please see below for a list of events held in 2024.
Latinx Heritage Month is celebrated between September 15 - October 15 each year. Please see below events for 2024!
September 18th: Culture Fest | KU Lawn
Culture Fest is an annual event attracting over 2,700 students, faculty and staff that come together to celebrate the rich cultural diversity reflective of the University of Dayton's campus. Culture Fest is a campus-wide collaborative initiative that showcases music, dance, spoken-word and diverse culinary traditions.
4:30pm - 7:00pm
September 18th: Arts & Crafts: Papel Picados | Alumni Hall 016
Build fellowship and learn how to make Papel Picados with University Ministry. Sponsored by University Ministry.
7:00pm - 8:15pm
September 19th: EOL x SHPE Hanging at the Hangar | The Hangar
Build fellowship with El Orgullo Latino and SHPE while playing games, bowling, and singing karaoke!
7:00pm - 8:30pm
September 20th: APsi Family Event | JHH 050
Spend time with Alpha Psi Omega as you paint and get to know one another.
6:30pm - 7:30pm
September 21st: PACO 22nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Festival & Parade | Riverscape MetroPark
Faculty, Staff, and Students are invited to participate in the parade to represent both UD and their cultures and countries. There will be events all day celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
Parade Meetup at 11:30am | Parade at 12p
September 21st: Carne Asada Potluck | 403 Stonemill Rd
Enjoy some food and community at the EOL House during Family Weekend. Sponsored by El Orgullo Latino, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Alpha Psi Lambda, and Gamma Phi Omega.
4:00pm - 6:00pm
September 23rd: APsi Baking Event | Food Lab 5th Floor Fitz
Enjoy preparing Latinx cuisine with Alpha Psi Omega.
6:30pm - 7:30pm
September 25th: EOL Game Night | KU 312
Think you got what it takes to win Lotería? Come try at the Latinx game night.
6:30pm - 8:00pm
September 25th: #FlyerMiles: Latinx Intersections (PATH Event - First-Years only) | KU 331
Students engage in a variety of ways, but what does it mean when engagement affects multiple aspects of one's identity? Part of Latinx Heritage Month, students will screen, "Real Women Have Curves." Afterwards, students will be discussing what it means to be Latinx AND on the UD Campus.
6:15pm - 8:45pm
September 26th: Arts & Crafts: Cempasuchil (Paper Flowers) | KU 311
Build fellowship and learn how to make Papel Picados with University Ministry. Sponsored by University Ministry and Alpha Psi Lambda.
6:00pm - 7:15pm
September 26th: #FlyerMiles: Latinx Intersections (PATH Event - Upperclassmen only) | KU 22
Students engage in a variety of ways, but what does it mean when engagement affects multiple aspects of one's identity? Part of Latinx Heritage Month, students will screen, "Real Women Have Curves." Afterwards, students will be discussing what it means to be Latinx AND on the UD Campus.
6:15pm - 8:45pm
September 28th: EOL Dominoes Tournament | 403 Stonemill Rd
Think you got what it takes to be the Dominoes Champion? Test out your skills at the Dominoes tournament.
3:00pm - 4:00pm
September 29th: Spanish Mass / Misa en Español | Marianist Hall
Campus Ministry will be having mass in Spanish on Sunday, September 29, 2024. Mass will be 4:00 PM and it will be celebrated at the Chapel located in Marianist Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend. We will have food afterwards.
Campus Ministry invita a todas las personas a asistir a la misa en español que tendremos el domingo 29 de septiembre a las 4:00 PM en la capilla de Marianist Hall. Tendremos comida y convivencia despues de misa.
4:00pm Mass | Dinner and Fellowship in MEC Family Room immediately after.
October 1st: Multicultural Programming Council Latinx Event | TBD
October 2nd: Arts & Crafts - Calaveritas (Sugar Skulls) | Liberty Hall 08
Students will learn how to make sugar skulls while understanding the history and meaning behind the items. Sponsored by University Ministry.
6:00pm - 7:15pm
October 2nd: APsi x GPhiO Make Your Own Piñata | TBD
Learn the cultural significance of piñatas and have the opportunity to make your own!
6:30pm - 7:30pm
September 28th: SHPE Game Night | MEC Family Room
Challenge other students to dominos or learn how to play lotería! Sponsored by Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.
6:00pm - 8:00pm
October 9th: Arts & Crafts | Alumni Hall 016
Students will learn how to make Latinx arts and crafts while understanding the history and meaning behind the items. Sponsored by University Ministry.
6:00pm - 7:15pm
October 17th: EOL General Body Meeting | KU 310
Even though Latinx Heritage Month may be over, the Latinx spirit lives on all year long! Continue learning with El Orgullo Latino's General Body Meeting.
7:00pm - 8:00pm
October 18th: EOL x APsi Latin Dance Lessons | KU 310
Sad that Latinx Heritage Month is over? Latinx culture thrives all year long! Come out and learn some Latin dance moves.
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Events
Planning for Native American Heritage Month 2025 is underway! Please see below for a list of events held in 2024.
NPAC 2024: The Gathering
The 2024 Native Peoples of the Americas Colloquium is "The Gathering," focusing on the intertribal connectiona and learnings from Native peoples. While many tribes experienced removal from these lands, their connection to them was not extinguished by settler encroachment and enforcement, and the speakers we are hosting will discuss how Indigenous people resist erasure and advance cultural continuance in their communities. Full a full list of sessions and more information, visit go.udayton.edu/NPAC.
Sunday, Nov. 4
"The Foundation of Lacrosse" Demonstration
2:00 p.m., Stuart FieldPresenter: Leon Briggs
Main sessions, Nov. 5
Opening Blessing
10:00 a.m., Humanities plaza
Sunwatch Village ad Beyond
11 a.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom
Speakers: Jill Krieg Stover
Jill Krieg Stover, Curator of Anthropology and Exhibitions for the Dayton Society of Natural History dba the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and SunWatch Indian Village / Archaeological Park, will join us for a discussion on SunWatch Indian Village and the current NAGPRA Grant that will help with restoration and repatriation processes. To learn more, go to www.sunwatch.org.
The Creator's Game: A lacrosse Discussion
2:o0-3:00 pm, Kennedy Union Ballroom
Speaker: Leon Briggs
Comanche Academy Charter School: “A Healing Place and Our Goal to Revitalize and Preserve Comanche Language, Culture and History through Our Youth”
3:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom
Speakers: Gabriella Maietta
Join Gabriella Maietta (Comanche Nation) as she discusses ways in which Comanche Academy Charter School uses experiential learning as a means of language restoration.
“The Power of One: One Voice, One Group,
One Community”
5:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m., Kennedy Union Ballroom
Stephanie Van Hoose, Mohawk, MBQ, T-MT citizen, Founder of REACH Indigenous Advocacy, and organizer of Dayton’s Inaugural Indigenous People’s Day, and REACH Fest Native American heritage festival, will join us for a “fast pass” discussion on how every single person contributes to Indigenous Advocacy, and how and how to remove the barriers that divide us. For more information, visit reachindigenousadvocacy.com.
Monday, November 11: Yintah Screening (PATH First-Years)
Mirroring the scope and ambition of the Wet’suwet’en fight to protect unsurrendered lands from theft, YINTAH offers the definitive account of a historic wave of Indigenous resistance to Canadian colonialism. Drawing from more than a decade of verité footage, the film shadows two Wet’suwet’en leaders (Freda Huson and Molly Wickham) as they reoccupy and protect their homelands in the face of state violence. Must register for event.
7:00 p.m. Sears Recital Hall
Friday, November 15-17: R.E.A.C.H. Fest: Native American Heritage Festival
Engage in a Native America Heritage Festival featuring a special historic art exhibit, women veterans panel, drum performances, dance contests, crafts, storytelling and more! For more information, visit www.
Wright State University Student Union
Thursday, November 21: #FlyerMiles: Indigeous Intersections
Students engage in a variety of ways, but what does it mean when engagement affects multiple aspects of one's identity? Part of Native American Heritage Month, students will engage in dialogue on the intersections of being Indigenous AND ______.
4:30 p.m. KU 310
Thursday, November 21: Yintah Screening (PATH Upperclassmen)
Mirroring the scope and ambition of the Wet’suwet’en fight to protect unsurrendered lands from theft, YINTAH offers the definitive account of a historic wave of Indigenous resistance to Canadian colonialism. Drawing from more than a decade of verité footage, the film shadows two Wet’suwet’en leaders (Freda Huson and Molly Wickham) as they reoccupy and protect their homelands in the face of state violence. Sponsored by te Native Peoples of America colloquium committee. Must register for event.
7:00 p.m. Sears Recital Hall
Events
Planning for Black History Month 2026 is underway! Please see below for a list of events held in 2025.
All Month Long: Black History Month Mural Making
What does Black History Month mean to you? Stop by MEC and tell us through your creative artforms on our 4' x 5' mural. Paints and paint markers will be available to add your personal touch to our 2025 Black History Month mural.
1st Floor south, Alumni Hall
Friday, January 31 - Saturday, February 1: BATU Retreat
Engage and reflect. This event is a space intended to support those with Black identities but is open to all UD Students. Registration begins at 4:30pm with a meal and activities before leaving for Camp Kern in Oregonia, OH at 5pm. Students will return to campus at 4:30pm on Saturday.
Camp kern
Monday, February 3: Black History Month Kahoot
Dive into Black history and culture with an interactive Kahoot quiz! Covering a range of topics from historical milestones to pop culture moments, this trivia game night is a fun and educational way to learn and celebrate the achievements of the Black community.
6:00p.m. MEC Family Room, kennedy union 310
BATU WEEK 2025
Monday, February 10: BATUxNPHC Line Dancing
This event features examples of line dancing and an opportunity to build community.
5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. Adele center
Tuesday, February 11: Black History Month Music Bingo
Test your musical knowledge with a unique twist on bingo! This edition celebrates Black culture through iconic songs, artists, and genres that have shaped history. Players will match song snippets to their bingo cards, highlighting the extensive influence of Black music across generations.
6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. KENNEDY UNION 310
Tuesday, February 11: Black Film Night
Discover Black culture with film and discussion presented by BATU.
7:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M. MEC FAMILY ROOM, ALUMNI HALL 104
Wednesday, February 12: Paint and Chill: BHM Edition
Have an opportunity to paint on canvas and reflect on Black history. Finished products can be added to the BATU Ball Art Gallery.
7:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. MEC FAMILY ROOM, ALUMNI HALL 104
Thursday, February 13: Black Love Event
This event highlights Black love and discusses different ways we can express it.
7:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. KETTERING LABS 403
Saturday, February 15: BATU's Black Excellence Ball
The Black Excellence Ball is returning as a culmination to BATU Week and a highlight of Black History Month festivities. There will be a brief recognition ceremony, great music, a photo booth and a Black Excellence Gallery. Tickets will go on sale on 1850.
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Kennedy union Ballroom
Friday, February 16: Mass in Honor of Black History Month
Please join Campus Ministy with a special mass in honor of Black History Month featuring Special Guest Homilist, Rev. Mr. Royce Winters, Presider Fr. Francis Tandoh, C.S. SP, and Special Musical Guest, Mrs. Rita Winters.
6:00p.m. - chapel of the immaculate conception
Monday, February 17: Black History Month Trivia (sponsored by MPC)
Learn facts and history in a fun, relaxing setting!
7:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. LOCATION TBD
Wednesday, February 19: #FlyerMiles: Black Intersections
Students engage in a variety of ways, but what does it mean when engagement affects multiple aspects of one's identity? Part of Black History Month, students will engage in dialogue on the intersections of being Black AND ______.
5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. ALUMNI HALL 016
7th Annual Maafa Commemoration Week
Monday, February 24: MAAFA Dinner + Discussion
As part of the Maafa Commemoration Series, students, faculty, and staff will be sent poems from "A Journey Continued: Poems from the Maafa" by Jawanza Bakari. This event will discuss the poems and relevancy in the past, present, and future over a meal. RSVP Required. Please fill out the form here. Sponsored by the Multi-Ethnic Education & Engagement Center.
4:30 p.m. Alumni hall 016
Maafa at UD
The Inaugural Maafa Commemoration was held on the campus of the University of Dayton in February of 2019.
The MAAFA is a Kiswahili term for "terrible occurrence" or "great disaster". It refers to the Black Holocaust when millions of Africans died during the journey of captivity from the west coast of Africa to the shores of America, known as the Middle Passage. We attempt to honor ancestors who have suffered through the Middle Passage and the lives that continue to be compromised due to racism and oppression.
Friday, February 28: MEC Day Lunch: Soul Food
Join MEC as we enjoy some soul food in the spirit of fellowship and in celebration of Black History Month. A variety of dishes associated Black culture will be served and catered by Soul Sistahs. This event is free to all UD students, faculty and staff. First-come, first-served.
12:00p.m. MEC Family Room, Alumni Hall 104
Friday, February 28: Spades Tournament
Do you have what it takes to land on top during our Black History Month Spades tournament. A celebration and staple in Black culture, Spades is a card game that is significant to many families. Find a partner and sign up here to try your luck. Top two teams will receive prizes.
6:00p.m. adele mcginnis
Resources
Dayton Art Institute Displays
Visit the Dayton Art Institute Display: The Dayton Art Institute is committed to enriching the community by creating meaningful experiences with art that are available to all. Founded in 1919, The Dayton Art Institute is one of the region’s premier fine arts museums. In addition to exhibiting outstanding special exhibitions and impressive collections of art from throughout the world, the museum is renowned for education programming that includes an array of offerings for diverse audiences. Please visit the Art Institute to view traditional African Art pieces and other renowned art displays.
Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North
Dayton, Ohio 45405
Phone: (937) 223-5277
Regular Museum Hours
Wednesday - Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Extended hours until 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
All UD Students are free with their student I.D.
Dayton Black Business Directory
Find a list of Dayton Black businesses here!
Black History Month National Website
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.
YouTube Video | National Archives Foundation | The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity
The Black family has been a topic of study across disciplines—history, literature, the visual arts, film, sociology, anthropology, and social policy. It has been described as a rich tapestry for exploring African Americans past and present and its complexity as the foundation of African American life and history. A panel will discuss these ideas and perspectives including family traditions, brothers and sisters, power-couples, and community. Moderated by Ida E. Jones, University Archivist at Morgan State University, panelists include Alison Parker, author of Unceasing Militant, the Life of Mary Church Terrell; Darius Young, author of Robert R. Church Jr. and the African American Political Struggle; John Whittington Franklin and Karen Roberts Franklin, Franklin Global LLC, Managing Members; and Barbara Spencer Dunn, ASALH Vice President for Membership & Contributor and Member of the Black History 365 (BH365) Professional Development Team.
Queens of the Heartland Tour
This tour looks at 30 influential black women in Ohio history, including Fanny Jackson Coppin, a missionary and educator, and Mary Church Terrell, a suffragist and writer.
Events
Planning for Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2026 is underway! Please see below for a list of events held in 2025.
*UD celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in April while students are in Spring Session.
All Month Long: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Mural Making
What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you? Stop by MEC and tell us through your creative artforms on our 4' x 5' mural. Paints and paint markers will be available to add your personal touch to our 2025 AAPI Heritage Month mural.
1st Floor south, Alumni Hall
Wednesday, April 2: AAPI Entertainment & Board Games
Join Asian American Association for their first AAPI Heritage Month event as they play cultural games while watching AAPI entertainment.
6:00pm - 9:00PM | 451 Irving Ave
Thursday, April 4: AAPI Art Event: AAAcrylics
Team up with Asian American Association (AAA) as they create Heritage Month-inspired acrylic artwork. All materials provided.
6:00pM - 8:00pM | Artstreet
Friday, April 11: fAAAmily Volleyball Competition
Which AAA fAAAmily will rise to the top? Open to all students, join in a volleyball tournament to build community!
5pM - 7pM | recplex
Sunday, April 13: Dumpling Making
Join AAA as you learn how to make dumplings in a variety of ways!
3:00Pm - 5:00pm | adele Mcginnis
Monday, April 14: #FlyerMiles" Asian/LGBTQ+ Intersections
Join the Multi-Ethnic Education & Engagement Center in a discussion of intersecting identities while we analyze poems from Asian American and Pacific Islander authors. Food will be provided and there will be an opportunity for AAPI giveaways.
5:00Pm - 6:00pm | alumni hall 016
Tuesday, April 22: AAPI Trivia Night
Do you have what it takes to be our trivia master? Hosted by the Asian American Association, join in a night of trivia, fun, and fellowship.
7:00pm - 8:00pm | Adele mcginnis
Wednesday, April 23: AAPI: Hula Lessons
Join us as we bring Olohana's Polynesian Dance to teach Hula Dance Lessons! Open to all in the UD Community.
6:30pm - 7:30pm | humanities plaza (Rain location: VWK Main)
Friday, April 25: Asian StudentxHAAPI Networking Event
This networking event is open to all students, faculty, and staff who would like to network, connect, and build Asian community members. Light refreshments provided.
12:00pM - 1:00pM | humanities plaza (Rain location: VWK Main)
Friday, April 25: AAAxEOLxBATU Community Cookout
In collaboration, the Asian American Association, El Orgullo Latino, and Black Action Through Unity will host this event to bring the MEC and UD Community together to celebrate UD's AAPI Heritage Month. Food and fun will be included!
12:00PM - 3:00pM Artstreet
Saturday, April 26: Asian American Association Formal - AAPI Pride
8:00pM - 11:00pM East ku ballroom
Wednesday, April 30: MEC Day Lunch: AAPI Edition
Join MEC as we come together in the spirit of fellowship to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month through food, music and education.
12:00pM - 1:30pM | MEC Family room, Alumni hall 104
Wednesday, April 30: #REALTalk: "We Listen, and We Don't Judge"
Hosted by the Multi-Ethnic Education & Engagement Center, #REALTalk is a monthly meetup we the UD community can get things off their chests without judgment.
7:00pM - 8:00pM | Alumni Hall 016
MEC Days
MEC Days are opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to share a meal together, in community, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. Approximately three to four MEC Days are held each year in conjunction with a holiday, kicking off a cultural heritage month or other special day. MEC Days are instrumental in building community between members of the UD community.