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!
Each year, following the MLK Day of Service, students gather for the MLK March and Luncheon. The UNA and local community members gather to march from the Guillot Performance Center to the Baptist Campus Ministry (BCM) building in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Before marching, President Kitts, Vice President Ron Patterson and the Student Government Association president, bring forth words of hope and encouragement. With voices raised to “We Shall Overcome”, our students, faculty, staff and guest march to the BCM for a luncheon commemorating the Selma to Montgomery March led by Dr. King. The unity lunch, proudly catered by Rhoda Peas, is a time of remembrance featuring guest speakers and a live performance. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. with UNA at our annual MLK March and Luncheon.
The purpose of the Black History Gala is to shine light on the rich history of African Americans and celebrate the future they embody. Sponsored by the Black Student Alliance, this event aims to promote an atmosphere of unity and honor. The gala is an opportunity for the campus and community to develop their understanding and appreciation of African American culture through educational presentations, music, food and live entertainment. Each year, a theme is selected for the gala. Each theme, such as “Royalty”, “Black Excellence” and “Celebrating History Through Music and Culture” highlight an aspect of African American culture. Participants are encouraged to wear semi-formal attire. The Black History Gala has been a successful program each year drawing a large crowd. We encourage all UNA friends and family to embrace this growing tradition at UNA. We hope you join BSA in celebrating another year of embracing the African American culture.
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 asked The City of Florence, Alabama to partner with us to host the inaugural 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.
We’re proud to announce that this year’s event will be held on Sunday, June 19, 2022 from 1:00pm-8:00pm at Lewis Field [1050 Pruitt Street Florence, AL 35630].