Throughout the academic year, the Office of Multicultural Affairs collaborates with various student organizations and departments around the issues of diversity and social justice. More than simply cultural exhibitions, these events are designed to bring those at the edges of our society and to weave a new cloth of our shared and different experiences. These opportunities challenge us to learn new ways of communicating and sharing.

Annual Events

• Hispanic Heritage Month - During October, the range of issues facing Hispanics, Chicanos and Latinos communities are explored. In addition, it is also a time of celebration of the rich and varied cultures.
• Kwanzaa Celebration - This is a dinner to commemorate family, community and culture in the African American experience.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration - Experts in the history of the Civil Rights movement provide lectures on Martin Luther King, Jr., and others vital to the Civil Rights Movement.
• Black History Month - February celebrates the accomplishments and forward progress of Black Americans, African and Caribbean peoples. During this month, the achievements and milestones throughout history are examined.
• Women History Month - Although women’s history is shared with men, the accomplishments and impact of women were overlooked and undervalued for generations. During March the unique historical contributions and societal achievements of women are recognized.
• Umoja Celebration - During the spring, Earlham celebrates Umoja, which means unity and is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
• Pride Week - This is a week-long celebration of the diversity of the LGBTQ communities. Events include the Transgendered Day of Remembrance Service, various presentations and culminate with the popular, Gender Bender Dance.
• Latino Festival - All are welcome to attend this spring event, where students, faculty and staff celebrate Latino culture.

Workshops and Training

Each year, the office sponsors workshops and training sessions for students interested in activism and supporting cultural issues. In 2009 and 2010, the College hosted "Activism Done Right: Skills for Effective Organizing," a workshop by Daniel Hunter, co-director of Training for Change and a Training Elder. Daniel has led diversity, nonviolence and strategy training for a wide range of activists and social change groups throughout the world. He will be returning to campus in the fall of 2011.

Also planned for the 2011-12 academic year is a visit from Earlham alumna Shuruq Harb '01, a visual artist and writer based in Ramallah, Palestine. She will return to campus on November 16, 2011 and give her presentation, "Politics of Collaboration."