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
2023 Events
September 15th: Latinx Hangout at the Hangar | KU Hangar
Celebrate the start of Latinx Heritage Month by building community in the Hangar. Free pool, bowling, and more. Sponsored by El Orgullo Latino, Alpha Psi Lambda, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, & Gamma Phi Omega.
5:00pm - 7:00pm
September 16th: PACO 21st 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.
11:00am - 11:00pm
September 19th: Arts & Crafts: Papel Picados | Alumni Hall 016
Build fellowship and learn how to make Papel Picados with University Ministry. Sponsored by University Ministry.
4:00pm - 6:00pm
September 19th: Make your own churros! | 223 K St.
Join Alpha Psi Lamda as you learn how to make your own churros and hear about the tasty treat's history. Enjoy a sweet Latinx snack while building community. Sponsored by Alpha Psi Lambda
7:00pm - 8:00pm
September 20th: Latinx Trivia | KU 222
Do you know your trivia? Test your knowledge with some Latinx Trivia. Sponsored by Alpha Psi Lambda and El Orgullo Latino.
7:00pm - 8:00pm
September 21st: Latinx MEC Day Lunch | Alumni Hall 1st Floor
Enjoy Latinx cuisine from Taqueria Mixteca as part of the MEC's Latinx Heritage Month.
11:30am - 1:30pm | While supplies last.
September 21st: Salud Mental | KU 211
Come learn about mental health in the Latinx community. Sponsored by Diversity Peer Educators and Co-Pilots.
6pm - 7pm
September 24th: Spanish Mass / Misa en Español | Marianist Hall
Campus Ministry will be having mass in Spanish on Sunday, September 24, 2023. 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 24 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.
September 25th: David Romero, Latinx Spoken Word Artist | Humanities Plaza
David A. Romero is a Mexican-American spoken word artist from Diamond Bar, CA. Romero is the author of My Name Is Romero (FlowerSong Press), a book reviewed by Gustavo Arellano (¡Ask a Mexican!), Curtis Marez (University Babylon), and founding member of Ozomatli, Ulises Bella. Romero has received honorariums from nearly a hundred colleges and universities in thirty-four different states in the USA and has performed live in Mexico, Italy, and France. Romero's work has been published in literary magazines in the United States, Mexico, England, Scotland, and Canada. Romero has opened for Latin Grammy winning bands Ozomatli and La Santa Cecilia. Romero's work has been published in anthologies alongside poets laureate Joy Harjo, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Luis J. Rodriguez, Jack Hirschman, and Tongo Eisen-Martin. Romero has won the Uptown Slam at the historic Green Mill in Chicago; the birthplace of slam poetry. Romero's poetry deals with family, identity, social justice issues, and Latinx culture.
7:00pm - 8:00pm
September 25th: David Romero, Poetry Workshop | MEC Family Room
Following his performance, David Romero will present a poetry workshop for aspiring writers.
8:00pm - 9:00pm
September 26th: Arts & Crafts: Cempasuchil (Paper Flowers) | 223 K St.
Build fellowship and learn how to make Papel Picados with University Ministry. Sponsored by University Ministry and Alpha Psi Lambda.
4:00pm - 5:30pm
September 26th: Panel: The Ignorance of Being Ignorant | KU 310
Join a panel discussion focusing on the effects of silence and choosing to be ignorant. Sponsored by El Orgullo Latino.
6:00pm - 7:00pm
September 27th: Culture Fest | KU Mall
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 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
September 30th: Family Weekend 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.
12:00pm - 2:00pm
October 3rd: 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 and El Orgullo Latino.
4:00pm - 5:30pm
October 10th: Arts & Crafts: Aguas Frescas | Adele McGinnis
Join students in learning how to make aguas frescas and understand its significance. Sponsored by University Ministry and El Orgullo Latino.
4:00pm - 5:00pm
October 10th: Salsa Under the Stars | Humanities Plaza
Students will learn to dance salsa and other traditional Latin American dances like merengue, bachata, rumba, etc with Dayt0n1Salsa. Snacks provided prior.
5:30pm - 8:30pm
October 11th/12th: Vejigantes Mask-Making | Art Street
Understand the historical significance of these masks in Puerto Rico, starting with the frames then come back to decorate them the next day. Sponsored by Student Government Association, Multicultural Programming Committee, and University Ministry.
6:00pm
2022 Events
Thursday, November 3: MEC Day Lunch – Native American Heritage Month
Join the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center in celebrating the cultures of Native communities by dining in fellowship. This lunch is free and open to all students, faculty and staff.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Alumni Hall MEC Family Room
Friday, November 5: 'Lake of Betrayal' Documentary Screening and Dialogue
The Diversity Peer Educators will show this critically important documentary on the "Land Back" movement and afterwards will lead an engaging discussion highlighting the historical and current injustices faced by Native People in the United States. This event will be PATH eligible. Please RSVP on 1850.
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Adele 106
Thursday, November 17: Indigenous Women Panel Discussion
As part of the Feminist Educational Series a panel of students with Native American heritage will share about their experiences and what their identity and culture means to them.
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Location TBD
NPAC 2022: Embodied Knowledges: Indigenous Ways of Being, Thinking and Doing
Main sessions, Nov. 7-9
Decolonizing Your Pantry
6-7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7, via Zoom
Every time we walk into a grocery store, we make a series of decisions that impact everything, from our bodies and minds to the air we breathe and the soil we walk upon. Colonial food systems provide lots of calories, but they are deficient in spiritual and emotional nourishment and they lack any connection to land and people. Food sovereignty is a vitally important movement that asks us to think about the systems that are supported by our grocery purchases. Join Luke and Linda Black Elk as they discuss simple and efficient ways to begin the process of decolonization on the path to food sovereignty.
Language Revitalization & Gender Diversity
1:30-3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, via Zoom
Join Kai Minosh Pyle and Awanigiizhik Bruce for a conversation regarding their efforts to reclaim space in their languages for gender diversity. In addition to sharing specific Two-Spirit language and historical knowledge, they will discuss their process and journeys in reclaiming these teachings and the ways they have tried to spread what they have learned to other community members. Drawing on what they have learned over the years, they will offer stories to show why talking openly about gender diversity in language revitalization movements is critical for Indigenous nations to thrive.
Community Arts Event
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, 4th floor of Fitz Hall, GEMnasium space
Leon Briggs will conduct a session on the "Seneca No Face Dolls," commonly known as corn husk dolls. Leon will discuss the story behind corn husk dolls, drawing upon traditional teachings about vanity, equality, and respect for all people in our communities, followed by walking participants through the steps of making their own corn husk doll. Please register below so we have sufficient supplies.
Additional Events
Opening Blessing
10-11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 7, Humanities Plaza (KU 222 alternate site in case of inclement weather)
Plant Talk/Green Space Walk with Leon Briggs
1:25-3:20 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, Humanities Plaza
Join Leon Briggs for a walking tour of the UD campus and close surrounding areas to learn about native plants and their roles in our eco-system as well as discussing finding, identifying and using Native plants and herbs for medicinal and nutritional purposes. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
Register for this session through AVIATE
Jewelry Making with Leon Briggs
3:35-4:50 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 8, 4th floor Fitz Hall, GEMnasium space
Leon Briggs will discuss and demonstrate some traditional jewelry making techniques, followed by an opportunity to create your own pieces.
Register for this session through AVIATE
Plant Talk/Green Space Walk with Leon Briggs
10:10 a.m.-12:05 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, Humanities Plaza
Join Leon Briggs for a walking tour of the UD campus and close surrounding areas to learn about native plants and their roles in our eco-system as well as discussing finding, identifying and using Native plants and herbs for medicinal and nutritional purposes. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
Register for this session through AVIATE
Other opportunities to learn:
Check out the University Libraries' Native American Heritage Resource Guide.
2023 Events
Thursday, February 2: Black History Month MEC Day Lunch
Join MEC as we enjoy some soul food in the spirit of fellowship and in celebration of Black History Month. A variety of authentic dishes associated with African American and Black culture will be served. This event is free to all UD students, faculty and staff.
11:00 A.m. - 1:00 p.m. MEC Lounge, Alumni hall 104
Thursday, February 2: Lawrence Ross - Blackballed Lecture
Nationally acclaimed author and speaker Lawrence Ross will give a lecture based on his 2017 book "Blackballed: The Black and White Politics of Race on America's Campuses." Ross has been the keynote speaker at regional and national conferences within the fraternity and sorority field as well as at over 1000 college campuses across the United States speaking on the role of all members of campus communities in fighting racism and inequity on campus.
Brought to you by The College of Arts and Sciences, College Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center, and Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
6:00p.m. KU Ballroom
Friday, February 10: Black and Muslim
The Multicultural Programming Council and the Muslim Student Association are collaborating to create a meaningful and intentional learning space for those who are interested in exloring what it means to be both Black and Muslim. Food and dialogue will be provided.
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ryke Center
Thu-Sat, February 16-18: Imagining Community Symposium
The Imagining Community Symposium is a space for community partners across the Miami Valley to come together in a space of education, dialogue and action. The symposium is open to all community members, activists, artists, students, scholars and academics with the goal of exploring the history, legacy and impact of injustice in Dayton, and strategies for moving toward a more just, equitable and inclusive Dayton.
Advanced registration will open in January 2023. For more information, email imaginingcommunity@udayton.edu
The hub (downtown dayton)
Saturday, February 25: 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.
8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Kennedy union Ballroom
5th Annual Maafa Commemoration Week
Monday, February 20: Abayomi Doll Making Workshop
As part of the Maafa Commemoration Series, join the Multicultural Programming Council in learning about Abayomi Dolls and even create one yourself!
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. mec lounge, Alumni hall 104
February 20-24: 'What is the Maafa?' Poster Exhibit
Walkthrough the Maafa Exhibit for an introduction on the history and importance of the Maafa, the transatlantic slave trade, and its continued impact on the black diaspora.
Alumni hall south (mec)
Thursday, February 23: 5th Annual Maafa Commemoration Service
The 2023 Maafa Commemoration Series will feature artistic performances, remarks, and rituals to honor those who died during the journey of The Middle Passage. This year's theme, "Homegoing," ventures to highlight and bring to life the stories of enslaved Africans and their descendants, as well as what it means to embody this complex history.
Join us for a powerful service with contributions from students, local artists, and more.
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Location TBD
Maafa at UD
The Inaugural Maafa Commemoration was held on the campus of the University of Dayton in February of 2019.
Black History Month Research Guide
The Roesch Library and The Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center invite you to learn more about Black History Month itself as well as stories, contributions, triumphs and struggles of Black Americans. This Research Guide offers a wide variety of topics from the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter; from LGBTQ+ stories to Black artists and authors. The wonderful collection of information is available through several mediums including streaming video, books, and articles. You can find the guide by following this link.
2023 Events
Friday, March 31: Asian American Association - All Around Asia
The Asian American Association will host this event to celebrate and educate about the great diversity and richness that is encompassed in the many countries and cultures from the Asian continent. Food and fun will be included!
2:00PM - 4:00pm Location TBD
Tuesday, April 4: Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month MEC Day Lunch
Join MEC as we come together in the spirit of fellowship to celebrate Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month through food, music and education.
11:30am - 1:30pm MEC Family room, Alumni hall 104
Wednesday, April 12: Let's Talk AAPI Inclusivity
The Asian American Association and Middleground will host this event to discuss challenges faced by the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. This will be a wonderful opportunity to engage and learn.
6:30Pm - 8:00pm Location TBD
Saturday, April 15: Vaisahki Celebration
Vaisahki marks the beginning of the new solar year for those in the Hindu and Sikh community and is aslo a celebration of the spring harvest for many Indians. Join us as we celebrate with a dance demonstration and cultural education on the importance of this day.
4:30pm - 6:00pm TBD
Thursday, April 20: Ramadan Iftar
As Ramadan comes to a close we invite our campus community to join us for this 'Iftar' or 'breaking of the fast' observed by Muslims throughout the world and at the University of Dayton. Delicious and culturally relevant food will be served with a light program highlighting the importance of this sacred month. Co-Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association, Campus Ministry
8:00pm KU Ballroom
Friday, April 21: Asian American Association Banquet
7:00pm - 11:30pm curran place
Asian and Pacific American Heritage Research Guide
The Roesch Library and The Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center invite you to learn more about Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month itself as well as stories, contributions, triumphs and struggles of Asian and Pacific Americans. This Research Guide offers a wide variety of topics covering the immense diversity within these communities from critical research to social movements; from LGBTQ+ stories to artists and authors. The wonderful collection of information is available through several mediums including streaming video, books, and articles. You can find the guide by following this link.
Sponsored by the Roesch Library and the Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center
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.