Holi, which has roots in Indian culture, was first mentioned in historical texts that date as far back as the seventh century. The holiday primarily signifies the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season, which has associations with renewal and the end of conflict. Joy and love are the central themes of this celebration. Another important aspect of Holi is the idea of play. Colored water and powder are thrown by those who engage in the holiday, which puts a focus on happiness within the community. Holi is a time of carefree togetherness. 

Likhithasree Kommineni, the membership officer of the Indian Association, explained how the tradition of Holi came to be.

“Holi originates from Hindu mythology, where Lord Prahlada, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, triumphed over his tyrannical father, King Hiranyakashipu, with the help of Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu,” Kommineni said. “Holi is also a time for renewal. People come together to celebrate, forgive past grievances and embrace a fresh start.”

According to Kommineni, the core elements of Holi, such as throwing colors and enjoying music, have remained the same across the globe. However, outside of India, one different aspect can be found in the cuisine. 

“One noticeable difference (has been) the absence of traditional sweets and drinks like lassi, which are commonly enjoyed after the celebrations in India,” Kommineni said. “Despite that, the spirit of joy and togetherness (at the event) was very much alive at GVSU.”

Kommineni thanked ASAP and the Kaufman Interfaith Institute for their help in hosting the event.

“We (the Indian Association) were especially grateful to Anna Miller from ASAP for sponsoring the colors and Liz English (of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute)  for providing snacks, which showed how much the GVSU community values cultural celebrations and making students feel at home,” said Kommineni.

By hosting a Holi celebration at the University, students were able to expose themselves to a new culture, ideas and way of life. Events like these can broaden students’ worldview, and help them become active and educated participants in their communities. This knowledge also prepares students for opportunities that arise after completing an undergraduate degree.  Traveling to other states and countries to pursue careers can lead to interactions with diverse groups of people. By learning about cultures that differ from their own, students can develop an appreciation for various traditions they may encounter. 

“(The event was) a diverse and welcoming celebration for all who wanted to experience Holi,” said Lasya Priya Vemalla, the Indian Association’s social media coordinator.

The Holi festival is one example of the cultural celebrations that the Indian Association hosts. In the past, they have held events for Dussehra, also known as Dashain and Diwali. These are festivals that celebrate aspects of Indian culture and religion. Ugadi and Gudi Padwa, a festival similar to New Year’s celebrations, is another event that has been recognized on campus. Promoting awareness of the multicultural presence at GVSU helps to create an environment where all students can feel safe, represented and uplifted.

Students who attended the event had the opportunity to check in at the entrance, and were given a small “passport” booklet. As they visited different booths and learned about unique cultural elements, they were able to collect stamps. One way to earn a stamp, for example, was to say a tongue twister in Chinese. The festival’s cultural immersion experiences highlighted how international experiences can shape personal and professional growth, and leave lasting impressions for years to come.

The Japanese booth featured contemporary manga books and traditional artifacts like Karuta playing cards, which offered a blend of pop culture and heritage. Nearby, the Department of Classics booth invited students to take photos in front of a green-screen backdrop of ancient Greece, allowing them to pose among historic temples and statues.

Kristen Cloutier, the Padnos International Center’s programs coordinator, ran one of the festival’s booths. Cloutier emphasized the accessibility and flexibility of the University’s Study Abroad program.

“We have an open policy that allows students to study nearly anywhere in the world,” Cloutier said. “You can go abroad within your major or fulfill general education credits. Language students especially benefit from the immersion experience.”

Cloutier added that program lengths can vary from two weeks to full academic years. She also noted popular destinations where students can live, learn and explore for less than the cost of a typical semester at GVSU, including Cyprus, Thailand and Seville, Spain.

“You can technically go abroad for up to four semesters,” Cloutier said. “Plus, students can use financial aid and scholarships to help cover the cost, and in some cases, it can be more affordable than staying at Grand Valley.”

Another highlight of the festival was a live puppet performance led by Professor Jason Yancey from the Modern Languages and Literatures Department. Yancey, who teaches a Spanish-language puppet theater course at GVSU, has more than 15 years of puppeteering experience, and has created over 200 custom puppets. His students write and produce original Spanish puppet shows, crafting their own puppets and performing at Spanish immersion elementary schools in West Michigan.

Kristi Pawlak, an adjunct professor of Japanese language at GVSU, also performed at the festival on the koto, a 13-stringed Japanese instrument.

Pawlak spent a single year abroad as a high school exchange student, which inspired her to have a lifelong relationship with Japanese culture, music and language. Her journey began with a leap of faith into the unfamiliar. For Pawlak, the koto became a bridge between cultures, communication and personal growth.

“I was placed in the countryside of Japan, where there were no English speakers,” Pawlak said. “My host family were rice farmers, and they felt it was important for me to learn about traditional Japanese culture.”

With no common language between herself and her music instructor, Pawlak learned the koto strictly by observing and mimicking.

“I didn’t speak Japanese at the time, and my teacher didn’t speak English,” Pawlak said. “I had to learn by watching, listening and imitating. Eventually, I even learned kanji characters to read the music.”

Despite challenges, Pawlak studied the instrument weekly for a full year. Her dedication paid off when she was able to perform at a local music hall with her teacher.

Since being back in Michigan, Pawlak continues to share her passion for Japanese culture not only through her performances, but in the classroom as well. She brought her koto home with her from Japan, a tangible reminder of her time in Japan. Pawlak recently performed two pieces for an audience– “Sando no Shirame” (“Three-Step Melody”) and “Sakura” (“Cherry Blossom”). The latter is a beloved staple in Japanese culture.

“It’s (‘Sakura’) a song every kid in Japan knows and sings,” Pawlak said.

From music to manga, puppets to passport stamps, the Global Language and Culture Festival offered students a hands-on experience of the world beyond campus. For attendees like those drawn to Pawlak’s koto performance or inspired by Cloutier’s international stories, the event served as a reminder that language and culture aren’t just academic subjects– they’re lived experiences that can open doors to new opportunities. 

At the Black Historical Living Museum event, students were greeted by the GVSU chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) upon entering Kirkhof Center’s Grand River Room. Those in attendance were able to learn about historical African American figures, as well as hear presentations given by historically Black fraternities and sororities.

Notable figures discussed during the event included Lionel Richie, Ethel Hedgemon Lyle, Michael Jordan, Shirley Chisholm, Huey P. Newton and Sandra Bland. Representatives from GVSU’s fraternities and sororities presented information about the figures and the role they played in both their fields and African American history as a whole. The museum’s interactive component kept participants engaged and interested in learning about the individuals discussed and the organizations that raised awareness of them.

Also known as the Divine 9, NPHC upholds the legacy of historically Black fraternities and sororities. Currently, Grand Valley State University has five active organizations that fall under this category– Alpha Phi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Phi Beta Sigma and Sigma Gamma Rho, which were highlighted during the event. While each organization has its own individual outreach program, they are all united in their goals of developing the local community, encouraging education and fostering connection among college students.

Attendees were also provided with a “historical passport.”  Upon visiting each organization’s table, students got to check off boxes in their passports. Each organization chose a member they wished to highlight in the form of a presentation.

“The purpose of (the) event (was) to highlight and inform people on impactful African American figures who have made a difference in the Black community,” said Antonio Green, NPHC president at GVSU.

According to Green, the aforementioned fraternities and sororities were founded during racial segregation and provided spaces for Black students to develop leadership skills, foster lifelong bonds and engage in community service.

“Our NPHC organizations at Grand Valley have played a very pivotal role in enhancing student life, promoting diversity and encouraging academic and personal growth within the University community,” Green said.

Kaiya Smith, NPHC vice president at the University, said the council was inspired to host the event in an effort to educate students on Black History Month and historically Black fraternities and sororities. 

“This event came about because our council wanted to find a way to inform people on the importance of Black history and the significance of Divine 9 organizations,” Smith said. “We thought this would be a great way to do both in one (event).”

Black History Month focuses on recognizing the history and accomplishments of the African American community by encouraging students to educate themselves and foster both diversity and a sense of belonging. The Black Historical Living Museum and similar events aim to educate students on important figures and organizations that can develop multicultural awareness.

Two more events related to Black History Month are scheduled to take place throughout February at the University. Taste of Soul will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and the Black Business Pop-Up will be held the following Wednesday, Feb. 26.

The event began with a reflection activity that was expanded into a small group discussion. These talks were held at tables placed throughout the room to facilitate a calm and safe atmosphere. After articulating often tense emotions regarding the Country’s current state, small group discussions were opened to the entire room. 

Schneider explained that giving participants time to individually reflect on prompts and become comfortable with one another helped create a broad conversation.

“While there were faculty facilitators at each table, it seemed like there were just as many participants as facilitators in the discussion,” said Schneider.

Perhamus feels many people are disheartened by the Country’s political divide, and thinks the discussion allowed students to navigate the waters of polarized opinions.

“It can feel difficult to see a path forward out of polarization,” Perhamus. “I think this event can show each of us that we are collectively capable of having a contentious conversation that remains constructive.” 

By discussing viewpoints held by people of varying backgrounds and political experiences, participants were able to expose themselves to different ways of thinking and were encouraged to form educated opinions. GVSU is home to students from across the country and around the world, making tolerance an important value to impart on members of the University’s community. 

“I hope people who (came) to this event feel heard, valued and part of the campus community,” Perhamus said. “I hope this conversation demonstrates to the GVSU community that we can have this conversation with one another. We can hold the tensions of our divergent views and remain committed to being curious about each other. When we are curious, we are open to learning and connecting.” 

Many students felt relieved to voice their opinions and ask questions about current events that continue to affect their everyday lives. Numerous questions were raised, which allowed participants to clear up misconceptions and become more informed on varying concepts.

“From the table conversations and the larger discussion, it was evident that the campus community needed an event like this to process where we are right now,” Schneider said. “I think it was a great first step in a needed dialogue.”

Following Post-Inaugural Reflections, the event’s hosts are considering the creation of future discussion-driven events that are open to all students, faculty and staff. By engaging in thought-provoking and constructive dialogue, critical thinking skills can be developed to navigate the current political climate. Collaboration between students and facilitators is a welcome opportunity for both connection and intellectual development.

On Friday, Jan. 31, Grand Valley State University’s Anthropology Department hosted “Land Acknowledgements in Anthropology: Starting the Conversation,” which was planned by Anthropology Professor Steven Dorland and Lin Bardwell, senior advisor to Native Affairs at GVSU. The event brought together faculty, students and community members to explore the significance of land acknowledgments and the deep history of Indigenous tribes whose land the University occupies.

During the event, attendees reflected on the role of land acknowledgments in academic settings and beyond. Land acknowledgments serve as a reminder that universities and institutions across North America were built on Indigenous land. They honor the history, traditions and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples, while also encouraging dialogue about ways to support Indigenous communities. Those at the event discussed how anthropology as a field can help build relationships with Indigenous faculty, students and local tribal nations.

GVSU is located on the ancestral lands of the Three Fires Confederacy, which consists of the Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa) and Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi) peoples. These tribes are part of the larger Anishinaabe cultural and linguistic group, which has historically lived throughout the Great Lakes region. The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding these tribes’ origins, their historical connections to the Grand River and their continued presence in Michigan.

The Odawa, known for their trading networks, historically lived along the shores of Lake Michigan and played a vital role in commerce between Indigenous nations and European settlers. The Grand River was a key trade route used by the Odawa for transporting goods and establishing trade relationships. The Ojibwe, the largest Indigenous group in the region, have been known for their spiritual guidance and hunting traditions. The Potawatomi, often referred to as the “Keepers of the Fire” within the Three Fires Confederacy, were responsible for maintaining the central council fire, which was a sacred flame used for unity and decision-making among tribes.

Many Potawatomi people were forcibly displaced in the 19th century due to U.S. government policies but have since reestablished communities in Michigan. They have played a role in forming alliances and maintaining cultural traditions that continue today. 

“The Three Fires People are Indigenous to this land, which means this is their ancestral territory,” read the event’s land acknowledgment. “Every university is built on stolen, native land. We are guests on their (Indigenous peoples) land, and one way to practice right relations is to develop genuine ways to acknowledge the histories and traditions of the people who originated here first, who are still here, and who tend to the land always.”

Indigenous history discussions and advocacy extend beyond this event and have been an ongoing topic of conversation at GVSU. During the Fall 2024 semester, National Native American Heritage Month was celebrated through Indigi-Fest, a cultural event organized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Indigenous students and alumni. The event featured workshops on food sovereignty, language preservation and decolonizing education, as well as a screening of “Two-Spirit PowWow,” which highlights the inclusion of various identities in Indigenous traditions. Other advocacy efforts made by the Native American Student Association (NASA) have aimed to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) and other Indigenous crises and issues. 

The land acknowledgment discussion is part of the Anthropology Department’s broader mission to provide students with opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations with others.

Every year, leaders from a variety of disciplines and communities are invited by the University’s MLK executive planning committee to share their experiences with students, faculty and the greater Grand Rapids area. With speakers coming from diverse backgrounds, such as education, business ownership and activism, their goal is to educate and promote social justice initiatives.

“(The purpose of the MLK Commemoration Week is) to bring awareness and celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge us to dream bigger, do better and strive for justice,” said Bobby Springer, chair of the MLK executive planning committee.

Louis Moore, a member of the MLK Commemoration Week executive planning committee, stated that two committees are involved in planning the events. The first committee is part of a longstanding partnership with Davenport University and Grand Rapids Community College, in which a keynote speaker is selected based on a theme. According to Moore, this year’s theme was voting rights. The second committee works to organize the week’s events.

The keynote presentation by Latosha Brown was postponed until February. She is the co-founder of Black Voters Matter, an organization dedicated to increasing voter registration with a focus on African American communities. Her activism also extends to areas of feminism and philanthropy, and her work has been recognized in 23 countries.

“The GVSU community looks forward to this event (the keynote speech),” said Moore. “It is a time for campus and community members to reflect and reset in the spirit of King.”

The Silent March, normally held on the Allendale Campus, was also canceled. In past years, the event acted as a showcase of solidarity. Participants were able to connect while reflecting on King’s work and sacrifices.

Another speaking event, featuring Dar Mayweather, was also postponed. As a GVSU alumnus who graduated in both 2007 and 2009, his connection to the University allows for relevant insight into areas in which the institution could improve. Mayweather’s background in education lends itself to his work in coaching students to achieve their educational and professional endeavors. His presentation would have aimed to foster an environment of inclusion and heightened awareness of campus diversity.

The final speaker, Joe Jones, was able to give his presentation on leadership philosophy on Friday, Jan. 24. His experience as a previous Grand Rapids city commissioner and pastor gave him a range of experience to draw from. He is also the founder of the Hekima Group, a practice located in Grand Rapids that provides advice to professionals of varying backgrounds.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, students also had the opportunity to take part in the MLK Day of Service and Solidarity. The opportunity gave participants a chance to show their support for one another in a tangible way through service projects.

“The GVSU community has been profoundly impacted by this event (MLK Day of Service and Solidarity), as it provides students, faculty and staff with a chance to connect with local organizations, address pressing community needs and build stronger relationships with one another,” said Anees Mohammad, the Office of Student Life’s graduate assistant for civic engagement. “It fosters a culture of service and awareness, inspiring participants to continue engaging in meaningful action beyond this day.”

Despite the challenges the weather brought, the message that speakers, committee members and service project participants hope to convey remains, as they strive to uphold King’s legacy and ethics.

The event aimed to expand students’ understanding of African cultures through dance, music and shared experiences. The party was open to students from various cultural backgrounds, offering a chance to explore and appreciate African traditions in an interactive format. 

Edgar Page, an assistant professor in the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance (MTD), has been part of the University’s dance department since August 2022, and has organized this event for the past two years. The dance party supports the program’s goal to provide experiential learning outside of the traditional classroom setting. Page, who initially began his venture into dance training through Detroit’s public school system, comes from a legacy that celebrates the African diaspora and African dance traditions. 

“I am still getting to know different individuals, and (figuring out how to) impact the (University) community,” said Page. 

Page emphasized the diversity of the dance party’s attendees, which contributed to the event’s inclusive atmosphere. The event was initially scheduled to last one hour, but was extended to two hours, as students enjoyed learning various cultures’ dance moves. This created a shared, multicultural learning experience.

Page was joined in his efforts to organize the event by Assistant Professor Jakia Marie. Marie, also the program coordinator of AAA, believes the opportunity to host the event emphasized both education and connection. 

“Our partnerships were important because we had students from all (over) the world and various cultural backgrounds in attendance, which added more depth, and honestly, fun to the (event),” Marie said. “By the end, students were teaching dance moves that represented their countries and cultures. We didn’t plan to spend more than 60 minutes together, but we ended up dancing for two hours because of the organic relationships that were being forged by the spirit of dance.”

There were numerous music selections that were familiar to students, including artists such as Beyoncé and Big Freedia, which helped ease students into the activities. Marie noted that hearing popular songs allowed students to feel more connected to the experience. This alignment with contemporary media demonstrated the influence of African cultural roots on modern music, offering a practical link to course discussions on the African diaspora.

“I find joy seeing students build their self-efficacy,” said Marie. “College and other new experiences can be intimidating, and I love to see students overcome that initial hesitation and succeed. This is also why I try to host events where students can meet one another and connect, because trying new things is always easier when you have a friend and the atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming.”

AAA offers students the opportunity to engage with a global perspective that may have been absent from many students’ K-12 education, expanding their knowledge of Africa and its cultures’ contributions. The program is an interdisciplinary minor that serves as a valuable complement to various fields of study. AAA cultivates an understanding of Africa’s diversity and complexity, raises an in-depth awareness of African American experiences and provides a comprehensive knowledge of the African diaspora’s history. The African Dance Party exemplifies this mission, bringing cultural lessons to life, and helping students see the interconnectedness of diverse, global communities.

In past years, the event primarily featured information and student resource-based sessions, but by adding events such as the social mixer, they hope to reach out in expanded ways.

Dr. John Bender, a chemistry professor at GVSU and founding member of Lakers Unidos, currently serves as faculty co-lead for the organization’s executive board. He noted that event planning is coordinated with the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), ensuring alignment with both Lakers Unidos and Laker Familia’s objectives.

OMA works on building a diverse and inclusive campus. Through its comprehensive programs and services, OMA draws attention to the history, tradition and culture of various ethnic groups on campus. 

“The (Laker Unidos) programming is for GVSU Latinx employees coming from environments where they are typically the only Latinx employee in their GVSU office,” Bender said. 

The cultural affinity group Lakers Unidos was founded in 2015, and operates within GVSU’s Division of Inclusion and Equity. The organization aims to support the interests of Latinx students, employees and faculty, by supporting their needs and fostering a sense of community. Through this effort, they hope to assist the University in overall recruitment of Latinx students, as well as retaining them through graduation. Beyond just the Laker Familia orientation, they hold events such as networking opportunities, cultural focused events such as the October Hispanic Heritage Festival and a celebration of Dia De Los Muertos in November, and panel discussions in order to provide students with opportunities for growth and connection.

The initiative aims to improve Latinx student visibility and achievement through various support mechanisms. As a result of efforts by Lakers Unidos, as well as OMA, GVSU has been recognized nationally for its effectiveness in enhancing student outcomes. 

In June 2022, GVSU was awarded the Seal of Excelencia by Excelencia in Education, and was the only university in the Midwest to receive such recognition. President of GVSU, Philomena V. Mantella, then gave a speech at an Excelencia in Education ceremony in Washington, D.C.

GVSU Vice President of Inclusion and Equity Jesse Bernal explained the framework through which Laker Unidos earned the Seal of Excelencia. 

“It is focused on the use of data, evidence-based practices and culturally responsive leadership. The (Seal of Excelencia) framework aligns with work long underway at GVSU,” said Bernal. 

The Seal of Excelencia framework looks beyond the mere enrollment of Latinx students. It seeks institutions that intentionally serve them through data, practice and leadership. GVSU serves over 18,000 undergraduates, with less than 10% identifying as Latinx. To address this, GVSU created a Latino Transformation Team, which was tasked with reviewing key data and developing recruitment and retention strategies for Latino students as a key component of its Strategic Enrollment Management Plan. 

14 transformation teams, each focusing on a distinct student population, collaborate with senior leadership to develop evidence-informed strategies that leverage the strengths of Latinx and all students. As of 2022, this led GVSU to maintain retention rates and award the highest amount of degrees in the University’s history to Latinx students.

To start the week of events, the Milton E. Ford LGBTQ Resource Center hosted the “Femme Queen Chronicles,” a comedy series about the lives of three Black trans women navigating their lives in the city of Detroit. The movie screening was accompanied with a discussion with the film creator, Ahya Simone, followed by a feature harp performance from Simone.

The center’s mission is to advocate for institutional equity, promote community-building and provide educational opportunities. Further, they aim to create an informed and cohesive campus where community members of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities feel supported and welcomed.

During the week, the center, in collaboration with the GVSU men’s club volleyball team, held a drag show co-hosted by Drag Queens La Reine Divine and Cherry Poppins. La Reine Divine is better known around GVSU as Marcus John, the head coach of the D1 men’s club volleyball team. 

Amongst the Grand Rapids natives were queens Nani, Zaria S. Zion, Asio Aviance, Jane and special guest Cocky Define. The show aimed to bring entertainment and acceptance to GVSU and also acted as a fundraiser for the volleyball team. 

“When I was going here in 2011, I didn’t even know what a trans individual was or what they looked like, but the LGBTQ center makes a big difference and a big push to get people who identify anyway they identify to feel safe,” said Marcus John, head coach of the D1 men’s club volleyball team.  

Paden Rousseau, the president of the men’s club volleyball team, partnered with John to draft the idea in the fall semester where they held the first GVSU-sponsored drag show.

The first event last November had a large turnout. This time around, the queens, several of which are GVSU alumni, offered up their time and talents for free. They were looking to support the community and help bring trans and queer people to the forefront of the week. 

“A huge part of our club and culture is accepting everybody and Marcus sat us down in the beginning and just kind of talked about that,” Rousseau said. “How volleyball was his way of expression and coming out and that kind of stuff. That is a core value of our program. It is something we are definitely not afraid of and want to embrace everybody. That’s the main reason why I love this program, and do this work is because they accept everybody.” 

After the show, the queens sat down and offered comments on their work.

“Drag for me was definitely an escape because I didn’t have to deal with Marcus’s issues, she (La Reine Divine) was definitely an escape, and she saved my life in a sense,” Johns said. “I used to see them as two separate entities, and now I see them as one person now so it’s been quite the journey that I have been on.” 

When asked about how drag has affected their lives, queen Nani commented on how she found her identity through the art and how it has helped her feel more represented in her own cultural roots. 

“Drag helped me find my transness, and I’ve been doing drag for like maybe three years now, I’m noticing there is not a lot of Latin representation so I did a show out in Lowell and I did a Hispanic song,” Nani said. “The kids came to me and told me how important it was to see me represent this whole space of Michigan that I don’t think it very represented. I love the applause and feeling like a star.” 

With the ongoing controversy surrounding the art of drag, it’s important to the center to continue to spread the message of acceptance on campus. Both gender identity and gender expression are protected under the university’s policies including the GVSU Board of Trustees policies on Sex and Gender Based Harassment. Harassment and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and/or gender expression is continually protected by the university’s Title IX office. 

“When I was going here, I’m a pretty introverted person, so finding the courage to go to the LGBTQ center was really hard,” Nani said. “But there was actually a drag club here and I participated in that and that was a lot of fun.” 

“For our trans members of the community, visibility is crucial,” said D.L. McKinney, Director of the Milton E. Ford LGBTQ Resource Center. “This is a space for trans and non-binary people to feel seen through positive realistic representation. This also gives space for allies and advocates to learn more about the wealth of talent in our community and how to stand in solidarity for justice and celebration.” 

Students can get involved with the many center-sponsored student groups for all identities. The center also has a wide range of trans-specific resources like scholarship opportunities and resources on everything from how to go about making a legal name change in Michigan to gender-inclusive housing at GV.  

“I was one of the first student workers when the LGBTQ Resource Center opened in 2008,” McKinney said. “This was the first time I felt like I had a voice that mattered and that I was more than a Black queer person. I was able to do roundtable talks as an activity in my position and I did a leadership round table because even though young in my professional career, I knew that leading and boldness mattered to engage in change and make way for others like myself to soar.”

To close out the week’s celebration, GVSU welcomed Jey’nce Poindexter, a Michigan-based trans activist and community pioneer for a togetherness event.

“Don’t be scared to use your voice, because I can’t speak for trans individuals because I’m not one, but just from being an outsider looking in you can see how our trans brothers and sisters are really scared, just to go outside,” Cherry Poppins said. “Our allies have the power to use their voices to stand up for our trans brothers and sisters, don’t stand in the shadows because that is part of the problem.” 

For more information about how to get involved with queer-based activities on campus, students can visit the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center located on the first floor of Kirkhof center or contact the center through their email at lgbtcenter.gsvu.edu. 

On Tuesday, the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies will be presenting Dr. Richard Amfo-Otu and Dr. Anthony Amoah from the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, both of which are visiting from Ghana, Africa.

They’ll both be sharing their lessons they’ve learned while studying in a different country and from their time in their research in the field of environment and sustainability studies.

After the presentation there will be a Q&A session for attendees. This talk will take place in the Kirkhof Center room 2263 from 9-10:30 a.m. It’s open to all faculty, staff and students.

Recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and because of this the Center for Women and Gender Equity (CWGE) will be holding a “Plant Your Power” event in the Kirkhof Center. This is to symbolize healing and growth. Participants will be able to plant a heart-shaped seed paper in a small nursery pot that they will then take home to grow.

On Wednesday, April 5, CWGE will be hosting a Community Resource Fair in the Kirkhof Lounge from noon to 3 p.m. This will feature both on- and off-campus resources to help support survivors of sexual assault in their healing. There will be tables to answer questions about their services as well as share any opportunities they have to get involved.

On Thursday, April 6, there will be trauma-informed yoga in the Kelley Sports Center room 002BC from 4-5 p.m. This session will be led by GVSU yoga instructor. In order to attend this session register through the MindBody app. Participants must bring their own yoga mat or towel to use.

To close out the week, CWGE asks students to wear teal on Friday, April 7 to help raise awareness and show support.

Hunt for Easter Eggs

On Wednesday, April 5 the GVSU Laker Store will be hosting an Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. inside of the Laker Store.

Those who find an egg can bring it to the service desk to win candy, special prizes and discounts on items in the Laker Store.