Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Take Center Stage during 2024 Spirit of Identity Week

Beginning Monday, Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students and employees can engage in more than 25 events and activities that will promote an appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion during St. John Fisher University’s 2024 Spirit of Identity Week.

The theme for Spirit of Identity Week is “I Belong Here,” and events are scheduled through Saturday, Jan. 20.

“Spirit of Identity Week offers campus members a type of cultural and diverse richness of creative freedom to learn about social identities and characteristics of people and communities at Fisher,” said Dr. Marlowe Washington, senior diversity officer. “And what really pulls at my heartstrings is the careful and curious way that students, faculty, and staff interact with each other when sharing experiences and where we came from. This is proof that the campus is committed and engaged in this work.”

Spirit of Identity Week kicks off at the Black Excellence Gala at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, in Cleary Family Auditorium. Hosted by the Black Student Union, the gala includes an awards program, dinner, and dancing. Tuesday’s events include lectures, panels, public art, and performances. A capstone event of the week features Dr. Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith America, the country’s leading interfaith organization. Patel’s talk is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 17, in Cleary Family Auditorium. Workshops, tabling, and a talk by actor, stand-up comedian Penny Sterling round out Thursday’s events. On Friday evening, the Latiné Student Union hosts Cultural Kaleidoscope: Exploring Diverse Identities. The week closes with the Festival of Nations, a cultural celebration and fashion show, scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, in Cleary Family Auditorium.

For a complete list of events and activities, visit the Spirit of Identity webpage.