Signature Programs and Events
Every year, DEI hosts a series of annual events that we like to call our Signature Programs. Read below about the events, and mark your calendars for this year. We invite you to join us!
A cultural extravaganza with the purpose of celebrating the beauty in diverse cultures, CultureFest is a fun, engaging atmosphere of music, dance, food and entertainment. Hosted in the Spring, at the center of our beautiful campus, students, faculty and the community are invited to step out of their comfort zones to experience a small taste of the world around them. Through a variety of guest performances, such as Step Afrika, flamenco dancers, a Chinese dance group and the African Drum Ensemble, you will learn more about the stories and experiences of other cultural groups. Earn prizes and freebies by participating in fun activities sponsored by local businesses or student organizations. This an exciting event you will not want to miss!
The University of North Alabama supports many community organizations. We celebrate MLK Jr. Day by supporting events, programs, etc. held by others in our comunity, including the MLK Jr. Scholarship Committee (and many others).
Including events like: The Black History Month Speaker Series. The Black History Speaker Series host a guest speaker to help others understand the black experience through various lenses. Sponsored by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DDEI), Division of Enrollment Management and the English Department, the series is held annually since Spring of 2019. The first of the series featured Nabila Lovelace, a first-generation Queens native and poet. Lovelace is the author of Sons of Achilles, her debut collection of poems. The second of the series featured Kiese Laymon, renown writer, author and speaker from Jackson, Mississippi. Laymon shared raw insight behind his personal narrative, Heavy. After each series, our guest and audience engage in an open panel or discussion. Through the power of storytelling the Black History Speaker series has created platform to bridge the gap between different experiences and build understanding. Free of charge and open to the public, DDEI hopes that the lecture series will continue to amplify the voices and experiences of Black individuals.
Diversity Education Week (D.E.W) is a collaborative educational week across campus. Held annually in April, D.E.W. promotes awareness of our world’s diverse cultures and fosters intercultural understanding. D.E.W. features diversity and inclusion trainings, workshops, “lunch and learns”, discussion panel, and more. Students enjoy free food, win prizes, and engage in fun activities. D.E.W is an initiative of the DDEI, with various UNA departments who co-sponsor the events.
UNA has partnered with The City of Florence in 2022 to host the first ever Juneteenth Celebration for the entire Shoals community. This event not only celebrates freedom, heritage, and community, but also raises awareness for and provides the community an opportunity to support and learn about the many amazing businesses within our community.