photo by Kendra Mamea
photo by Kinzie Norton
by Bekah Powell, Class of 2024
Y
ork College has always had transformation at the heart of its purpose; its mission is to transform lives through Christ-centered education and to equip students for lifelong service to God, family and society. While transformation of the heart and mind is not an easy task, York College has created a culture that continually strives to transform its entire community. One of the many ways this has taken place is through the Diversity Club. Founded in 2020 by Dr. Erin DeHart, associate professor of education and chair of the department, and Tree Burks, head men’s basketball coach and physical education instructor, the Club encourages transformation through speakers, events, book studies, and movie nights held throughout the year for the whole campus. The Diversity Club’s events highlight a culture through food, music, literature, and introductions of influential individuals. For example, during National Hispanic Heritage Month, authentic Mexican dishes including tamales, empanadas, pupusa, pozole, and churros were prepared and served in the Caf ’ by fellow classmates, family members, and some of the coaching staff. Following dinner, the celebration was moved outside to Larsen Commons where an elusive piñata full of Mexican candy kept everyone in suspense until Daniel Polo, a freshman baseball player from Panama City, Panama, connected with a full swing. In February, the Club hosted an African-American Culture Night that was ’90s
themed. McGehee Hall was decorated with posters and information about historical figures, celebrities, and civil rights activists. They also had a table filled with various literature that included children's stories, poetry, and books about the experiences of African-Americans throughout history and how that affects AfricanAmericans in society today. It was truly a wonderful evening Powell with students dressed in ’90s outfits as we packed into McGehee to grab catered food from Mary Ellen’s: Food for the Soul. While waiting in line, we listened to music from famous African-American artists and enjoyed the different displays around the building. The evening concluded with a raffle that included a variety of literature and content from AfricanAmerican creators. Along with the themed events, there are many amazing opportunities to learn about the diversity that exists on campus and in other cultures. DeHart and Burks lead book studies on subjects of racism, diversity, and equality in society today. We also watched and discussed different movies and specials that addressed cultural injustices and misconceptions and documentaries that depicted cultural identity struggles. Engaging in one another’s stories is a powerful and integral way to truly understand and internalize truth. Jesus
photo by Kinzie Norton
(left) Churros make the perfect dessert for Jasmine Scarbrough, Danielle Armendariz, Bruce Johnson, Finau Fakahua, and Elisa Cardona. (above left) Dr. Erin DeHart, front right, enjoys the after-dinner festivities with students. (above) Daniel Castaneda works alongside his mom and fellow soccer teammate Jose Herdandez in making delicious pupusas for the National Hispanic Heritage meal.
