West Kentucky Community & Technical College
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WELCOME TO THE 2016 SPRING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION SERIES The office of Cultural Diversity invites YOU to participate in the Diversity and Inclusion Program Series at WKCTC. This program series is a collaboration between the Division of Student Development, Office of Cultural Diversity, Student Multicultural Appreciation Club (MAC), and the Campus Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The programs reflect a commitment to create and maintain a diverse, inclusive, welcoming college environment that reflects the community, workforce, and global society in which we live.
The program series will heighten awareness that diversity embodies all differences — cultural, cognitive, linguistic, racial, ethnic, geographic, gender, social, abilities, sexual orientation, and economic — that make us unique individuals. We strive to cultivate a learning environment where all individual differences and perspectives are valued and respected. The programs will support the development of cultural competencies and address aspects of cultural knowledge, awareness, belief systems, sensitivity, and competence.
ONGOING EVENTS • JANUARY – JULY 2016 Continuing the Conversation
Equality/Inclusion/Understanding
January – July 2016 (each Thursday) 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Washington Street Baptist Church 721 Washington Street • Paducah, KY Committed individuals and groups come together to discuss and implement ways to build cross-cultural relationships of forgiveness, repentance, hope, justice, equality and mutual understanding. Open discussions include the unique challenges and social issues that create barriers to building genuine relationships between people of different ethnicities. Meeting locations occasionally vary. Contact: Elizabeth (Beth) Khadem, Race Unity Group of Paducah missbeth95@gmail.com • 270-366-2932
Interracial Women’s Group
January – July 2016 (every 3rd Tuesday) 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. McCracken County Library • 2nd floor 555 Washington Street • Paducah, KY The Interracial Women’s Group (IWG) promotes positive sisterhood and unity among sisters, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, nationality, social or cultural backgrounds. The group cultivates a social environment to foster ethical values, appropriate conduct and respect for others and their cultures. The group raises awareness of community needs and solutions. Meeting locations occasionally vary. Contact: Amanda Wilson, President, The Interracial’s Women’s Group (IWG) amanda.wilson22@uky.edu • 270-554-9520
EM – P.O.W.E.R.
Purposeful, Organizing, Wise, Engaging, Responsible January – July 2016 (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
11:00 a.m. Crounse Hall 224 • WKCTC Main Campus The purpose of this organization is to provide a place of support for African American male students at West Kentucky Community & Technical College. This organization is designed to help African American males grow and succeed throughout their journey in life. All students are welcome. Contact: Corey Wadlington, Associate Professor, Transition Education/Faculty Empower Advisor, WKCTC corey.wadlington@kctcs.edu • 270-534-3413
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All events are open to students, faculty, staff, and community unless specified. All events are suject to change.
JANUARY 2016 Essay Writing Contest
Wednesday, January 6, 2016 9:30 a.m. Open to grades K – College Theme: Justice and Equality for All Entries must be submitted by 9:30 a.m. January 6, 2016 Grades K – 3 will draw and label a U.S. map on construction paper or posters. Grades 4 – 6 will write a narrative and rhyming poem. Grade 7 – College will write a two to five-page essay (typed, double-spaced), explaining why it is important for all Americans to learn about and to remember Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work to achieve justice and equality for all. Winners will receive money and certificates at each level. A special recognition program will be held in their honor on Sunday, January 17, 2016, at Paducah Middle School. Sponsors include Paducah-McCracken County NAACP Branch and AT&T Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Mail entries to: Writing Contest K12-College P.O. Box 357 Paducah, KY 42002 Or deliver to: Paducah Independent School Board Office or the McCracken County School Board Office by January 6, 2016.
Prayer Breakfast
Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon
Monday, January 18, 2016 11:30 a.m. Robert Cherry Civic Center 2710 Park Avenue • Paducah, KY Cost: Adults $20 • Students $5 MLK March from Civic Center to the MLK Monument on Martin Luther King Drive begins at 10:00 a.m. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon serves as a time to honor and commemorate the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., an American pastor, activist, humanitarian and leader in the American Civil Rights Movement.
Guiding You through U.S. Naturalization and Citizenship Eligibility
Thursday, January 28, 2016 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Emerging Technology Center 109 • WKCTC Main Campus Learn the U.S. Naturalization and Citizenship Eligibility process. Get answers to the eligibility requirements, rights, responsibilities and benefits of being a U.S. Citizen. Gain knowledge of the DREAM ACT and differences between U.S. lawful permanent residency, a temporary U.S. Visa and U.S. CitizenshipNaturalization. Presenter: Rebecca Wilson, English Second Language/Citizenship Teacher rebecca.wilson@paducah.kyschools.us
Saturday, January 16, 2016 9:30 a.m. Washington Street Baptist Church 721 Washington Street • Paducah, KY Cost: FREE The breakfast is an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., from dreams to meaningful action, and to bring all races, faiths and backgrounds together to recommit to racial equality, dignity, peace and justice.
All events are open to students, faculty, staff, and community unless specified. All events are suject to change.
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FEBRUARY 2016 Chinese New Year Celebration — Year of the Monkey
Monday, February 8, 2016 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Student Center • WKCTC Main Campus WKCTC faculty, staff, students and the community are invited to celebrate an Asian culture tradition. The Chinese New YearYear of the Monkey will have demonstrations on how to make Chinese dumplings and South Korea sushi. It will also provide information on Chinese tea culture. Hosted by WKCTC Multicultural Appreciation Club (MAC)
Soul Train
Monday, February 22, 2016 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Student Center • WKCTC Main Campus As part of Black History Month, Multicultural Appreciation Club (MAC) students will perform, Evolution of Hip-Hop. Join in on the dance if you know it! Students will highlight popular songs and dances from the 80’s until now. Soul food will be provided and local African-Americans will be highlighted. Hosted by WKCTC Multicultural Appreciation Club (MAC)
Second Annual Dancing with Starfish
Thursday, February 25, 2016 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Starfish Orphan Ministry 1000 Broadway • Paducah, KY Join Starfish Orphan Ministry and WKCTC Service Learning as they team up together to host Dancing with Starfish. Come
support local figures in a dance-off…Latin style! Start the night off with appetizers, a silent auction and salsa lessons. Finish the evening with a salsa dance-off! Students and college employees will team up to compete for votes. All proceeds benefit Service Learning/Starfish El Salvador Service Learning Trip. Event sponsored by WKCTC Service Learning and Starfish Orphan Ministry
Super Sunday
Sunday, February 28, 2016 Afternoon Service 1:00 p.m. (College Education Fair & meal immediately following afternoon service) St. Thomas More Catholic Church 5645 Blandville Road • Paducah, KY (Presiding Father Jason McClure and Father Brad Whistle) Each year the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and each of its 16 colleges partner with African-American and Hispanic churches throughout the state to host college education fairs for prospective college students and their families. The fair heightens awareness of the value of education, encourages early planning and promotes parent and community involvement. Student testimonies will be given and the Diversity & Inclusion Awards presented. Focuses on Hispanic/Latino college recruitment. Contact: Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell, Vice President Student Development / Director of Cultural Diversity, WKCTC belinda.dalton-russell@kctcs.edu • 270-534-3081
MARCH 2016 Saints at the River – One Book Read – Author Visit
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 6:00 p.m. Reception 7:00 p.m. Public Presentation 8:15 p.m. Book Signing Clemens Fine Arts Center • WKCTC Main Campus The One Book Read project is a community effort to encourage reading across various groups of people in hopes of helping eliminate illiteracy in our region. The project encourages the community, area school districts and colleges to read the same book and come together to discuss it. The culmination of the One Book project is the author’s visit to WKCTC for special presentations about the book, writing and the importance of reading. This year’s One Book Read is Saints at the River, by New York Times best-selling author Ron Rash. The book tells the story of a small South Carolina town that is thrown into the national spotlight when a young girl drowns and her body is trapped in a deep river eddy. The girl’s parents want to attempt to rescue of the body but environmentalists are convinced the rescue operation will damage the river and set a dangerous precedent. Torn between the two sides is Maggie Glenn, a twenty-eight-yearold newspaper photographer, who grew up in the town and has been sent to document the controversial incident. 4
Saints at the River – One Book Read
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 11:00 a.m. – Student presentation by author Ron Rash Clemens Fine Arts Center • WKCTC Main Campus After Ron Rash’s presentation, WKCTC and dual credit enrollment students will have an opportunity to ask questions of the author, discuss themes of the book and share interpretations and perspectives. Rash will also be available to autographs books and take photos with students. Contact: Amy Sullivan, WKCTC Interim Director of Library Services amy.sullivan@kctcs.edu • 270-534-3171
All events are open to students, faculty, staff, and community unless specified. All events are suject to change.
MARCH 2016 (continued) World Culture, Heritage, and History
You’re Not from Around Here, Are You?
WKCTC Success Connection Mentoring Program / Service Learning Luncheon – Invitation Only
Closing the Gap: Leadership and Management Roles
Thursday, March 10, 2016 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Washington Street Baptist Church 721 Washington Street • Paducah, Kentucky Round table discussion on the importance of teaching the history and culture of all races in the American school system throughout the year. Exchanging cultural experiences, history, traditions, languages and barriers to inclusion and strategies to unify people of all ethnicities. Hosted by: Race Unity Group of Paducah & WKCTC Office of Cultural Diversity Contact: Elizabeth (Beth) Khadem missbeth95@gmail.com • 270-366-2932
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Anderson Technical Building Bistro • WKCTC Main Campus Recognizing mentors and volunteers. Sharing success stories and networking. Coordinated by: WKCTC Office of Student Development
WKCTC Student Development Leadership & Recognition Luncheon – Invitation Only
Wednesday, March 23, 2016 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Anderson Technical Building Bistro • WKCTC Main Campus Recognizing student leaders and organizations that bring value to college life and create opportunities for learning, student governance and leadership. Coordinated by: WKCTC Office of Student Development
Is Sunday Morning America’s Most Segregated Hour?
Monday, March 28, 2016 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Matheson Library • WKCTC Main Campus Perhaps you weren’t aware that students from all over the globe are students at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Talking to people about the places they come from is a great way to learn about other countries, other cultures and other ways of life. Join faculty member Kim Russell as she facilitates a panel discussion led by WKCTC students from other countries. Students will discuss their home countries, their traditions, their values and the similarities and differences between their lives in Kentucky and elsewhere. Facilitator: Kim Russell, Associate Professor, WKCTC Wednesday, March 30, 2016 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Emerging Technology Center 109 • WKCTC Main Campus George E. Herring is a construction manager with over 30 years of extensive experience, with a focus on K-12 and higher education. His professional accomplishments include several successful construction projects throughout the United States. He knows and understands how to succeed in an underrepresented sector of the construction industry. He will share his experiences and the challenges he has faced leading a diverse workforce in the following roles: Senior Project Manager for major construction companies; Chairman of Planning Commission for the Township of Oxford, Michigan; and Chairman of Architectural, Civil Technology Advisory Council at Nashville State Community College. Presenter: George E. Herring, Senior Project Manager, Office of Planning and Design and Construction, Tennessee State University Facilities Management
Thursday, March 24, 2016 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Washington Street Baptist Church 721 Washington Street • Paducah, Kentucky The first Christian Church was known for its diversity. Jews, Gentiles and Greeks mingled alongside women and slaves. Biblical scholars have long maintained that the early church’s diversity was one of the reasons it became so popular. Roman society was characterized by rigid ethnic and class divisions. This roundtable discussion raises the questions: How important is it for the church to strive for ethnic diversity today? Can American churches remain separate but equal? Hosted by: Race Unity Group of Paducah & WKCTC Office of Cultural Diversity Contact: Elizabeth (Beth) Khadem, missbeth95@gmail.com • 270-366-2932
All events are open to students, faculty, staff, and community unless specified. All events are suject to change.
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APRIL 2016 Intercultural Outdoor Adventure
Saturday, April 2, 2016 TBA Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area 238 Visitor Center Dr. • Golden Pond, KY 42211 Enjoy outdoor experiences such as hiking trails and visits to historical sites. Connect with people of different cultural backgrounds, view picturesque and remote lake view areas while taking a long vigorous walk on the foot path trail. Surround yourself with nature and wildlife. Experience environmental, wellness and recreational benefits. Lead by: David Nickell, Sociology Professor, WKCTC Contact: david.nickell@kctcs.edu by March 28, 2016 to confirm participation. Round-trip transportation will be provided to WKCTC students and employees.
Race In America Nearly Half A Century After Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Monday, April 4, 2016 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Crounse Hall 101 • WKCTC Main Campus W.B. Dubois, a founder of the NAACP famously said in 1903: “The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line.” A distinguished panel will reexamine the statement from an early 21st century perspective. Discussion will include the Confederate Flag and how it symbolized slavery and treason during the war—and still does, and how it has become a modern symbol of resistance to racial equality. Panelist include: • David Nickell, Professor of Sociology and Philosophy, WKCTC • Gerald Watkins, MBA, State Representative, Former City Commissioner, Professor of Political Science, WKCTC • Berry Craig III, Retired Professor of History, WKCTC • Dr. James Duane Bolin, Professor of History, Murray State University, Murray, KY • Dr. Brian Clardy, Assistant Professor of History and Coordinator of Religious Studies, Murray State University, Murray, KY Facilitator: Berry Craig III, Author and Retired Professor of History, WKCTC
Tom Neilson
Wednesday, April 6, 2016 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Student Center Stage Clemens Fine Arts Building • WKCTC Main Campus Folk singer Tom Neilson will perform songs of social and environmental justice and other contemporary issues.
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Race in America Nearly Half A Century After Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thursday, April 7, 2016 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Washington Street Baptist Church 721 Washington Street • Paducah, KY W.B. Dubois, a founder of the NAACP famously said in 1903: “The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line.” A distinguished panel will reexamine the statement from an early 21st century perspective. Discussion will include the Confederate Flag and how it symbolized slavery and treason during the war—and still does, and how it has become a modern symbol of resistance to racial equality. Panelist include: • David Nickell, Professor of Sociology and Philosophy, WKCTC • Gerald Watkins, MBA, State Representative, Former City Commissioner, Professor of Political Science, WKCTC • Berry Craig III, Retired Professor of History, WKCTC • Dr. James Duane Bolin, Professor of History, Murray State University, Murray, KY • Dr. Brian Clardy, Assistant Professor of History and Coordinator of Religious Studies, Murray State University, Murray, KY Facilitator: Berry Craig III, Author and Retired Professor of History, WKCTC
Earth Day Concert
Saturday, April 16, 2016 TBA West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s student group, Concept Zero is co-sponsoring a concert featuring live music, poetry readings and artwork by the WKCTC Art Club. Food and drinks will be available. All proceeds from concert concession sales benefit GPS Recycling. Contact: David Nickell, Professor of Sociology and Philosophy, WKCTC david.nickell@kctcs.edu, 270-534-3269
McCracken County Community Career Endowment, Inc. (MCCCE) 2016 Educational Assistance Scholarship Program Reception
Sunday, April 24, 2016 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Emerging Technology Center 109 • WKCTC Main Campus The Paxton Scholars Program enhances student self-esteem, parent or guardian advocacy, peer and mentor interaction, maintenance and improvement of academic performance, and preparation for college transition, all of which are common challenges faced by many African-American students. Selected scholars receive college scholarship funds based on grade-point averages during their junior and senior years of high school and through the first two semesters of college. A college compatible laptop computer will also be presented to the scholars upon high school graduation in 2017.
All events are open to students, faculty, staff, and community unless specified. All events are suject to change.
MAY 2016 Guiding You through U.S. Naturalization and Citizenship Eligibility
Criminal Justice Reform
Friday, May 20, 2016 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Emerging Technology Center 109 • WKCTC Main Campus Learn the U.S. Naturalization and Citizenship Eligibility process. Get answers to the eligibility requirements, rights, responsibilities and benefits of being a U.S. Citizen. Gain knowledge of the DREAM ACT and differences between U.S. lawful permanent residency, a temporary U.S. Visa and U.S. CitizenshipNaturalization. Presenter: Rebecca Wilson, English Second Language / Citizenship Teacher, Rebecca.wilson@paducah.kyschools.us
Thursday, May 26, 2016 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Washington Street Baptist Church 721 Washington Street • Paducah, KY Momentum is growing for Criminal Justice Reform at the state and federal level. Prosecutors and legislators are working across the aisle to reform the Criminal Justice System with acts of legislation such as The REDEEM, Justice Safety Valve, Civil Rights Voting Restoration, and the Reset and Fair Act. There is an indisputable need to repair America’s broken justice system, ease the burden of taxpayers and break the cycle of incarceration and restore the voting rights of non-violent felons and exoffenders. Presenter: Representative Gerald Watkins, House District 3, McCracken County, Professor of Political Science, WKCTC
JUNE 2016 West Kentucky Identifying Needs Guiding Success (WINGS) Summer College Preparation Program
June 2 – 10, 2016 The program remains committed to assisting African-Americans, Hispanics, Latinos and underrepresented students with matriculation from middle school to high school and high school to postsecondary (one word) education. The Summer 2016 College Prep Program at WKCTC is scheduled June 2–10, 2016. It will expose 7th and 8th graders to enrichment in areas such as math, science, history, technology, engineering and career development. It also supports the development of cultural competencies and addresses aspects of cultural knowledge, awareness, belief systems, sensitivity and competence. As an integral part of the instructional program, there is a planned field trip that will allow students to build on the lesson objectives by bringing lessons to life. WINGS Director: Chevene Duncan-Herring WINGS Coordinator: Amy Elmore WINGS Counselor: Justin Hill
Intercultural Family Reunion
Friday, June 24, 2016 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. WKCTC Quad, (between Matheson Learning Center (MLC) and Student Center) • WKCTC Main Campus An occasion when members of extended intercultural families of different ethnicities, backgrounds, faiths and customs will be invited to assemble as one for a meal, recreation and fellowship. Co-Sponsor: Division of Student Development, Office of Cultural Diversity and Student Activities, TRiO Student Support Services, WKCTC; Interracial Women Group and Race Unity Group of Paducah. Contact: Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell, Vice President Student Development/Director Cultural Diversity Gail Bachuss, Director of TRiO Student Support Services, WKCTC
All events are open to students, faculty, staff, and community unless specified. All events are suject to change.
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WEST KENTUCKY IDENTIFYING NEEDS GUIDING SUCCESS
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PROGRAM SERIES
Office of Cultural Diversity Goals • Foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all WKCTC stakeholders (students, employees and community members). • Promote respect for and appreciation of differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, ability, sexual orientation, religion, social and economic status through education. • Provide resources and support to increase retention, graduation, and transfer rates. • Prepare our campus and community to live and work successfully in a global society.
Sponsors • • • • •
Office of Cultural Diversity Division of Student Development Multicultural Appreciation Club (MAC) Diversity & Inclusion Committee TRiO Student Support Services
Contact Information Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell Vice President of Student Development/ Director of Cultural Diversity Office of Cultural Diversity Anderson Technical Building, Room 204. 4810 Alben Barkley Drive P.O. Box 7380 Paducah, KY 42002-7380 belinda.dalton-russell@kctcs.edu 270-534-3081 Tamara K. Hodges Sr. Administrative Assistant for Student Development tamarak.hodges@kctcs.edu 270-534-3069 A Special Thank You to… • Administrative Services • Berry Craig III • Diversity & Inclusion Committee • Maia Ing • Mary Beth Head, Graphic Designer – Public Relations • Multicultural Appreciation Club (MAC) • Murray State University History Department • Paducah Race Unity Group • Public Relations • Rebecca Wilson • Sanci Teague • WKCTC TV Production Department 8
Partnerships • Graves County Middle School • Heath Middle School • Hispanic Heritage Club • Humanities Fine Arts & Social Science Department • Interracial Women’s Group in Paducah, KY • Mayfield Independent Middle School • McCracken County Adult Education Program • McCracken County Community Career Endowment, Inc. • Murray State University (MSU), Murray, KY • National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) • Paducah City Middle School • Professional Organizational Development (POD) • Race Unity Group of Paducah • Reidland Middle School • TRiO Student Support Services • United Way of Paducah-McCracken County • Washington Street Baptist Church • WKCTC Academic Affairs • WKCTC Matheson Library • WKCTC Student Ambassador Program • WKCTC TV Production Department
WKCTC is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.