PVCC Celebrates Black History Month
Through "Unity in a Diverse Community"

By Ken Clarke
Diversity Coordinator
Paradise Valley Community College

The Tanner Ensemble, a gospel group from the Tanner Chapel, performed for Black History Month.

This year's theme for PVCC's Black History Month was "Unity in a Diverse Community." The opening ceremony was kicked off with a speech by Dr. Olga I. Davis. Dr. Davis is an assistant professor of performance studies and women's studies at Arizona State University in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication. Dr. Davis' message was "to remember the past while enjoying the present and the future to come."

A brown-bag lunch workshop on diversity, entitled "Our Own and Others' Diversity," was part of the African American History Month celebration. Thomas Walker, program coordinator and a member of the ASU Intergroup Relations Center, conducted a "101" introduction to the concepts and dynamics of diversity around us. He examined the broad scope of diversity and included interactive exercises. A half hour video of the month's activities will soon be available. You can read more about PVCC's activities in their electronic newsletter at www.pvc.maricopa.edu/perspective.

The New Horizons Film Festival, featuring four films promoting tolerance, started in February and continues until April 11. "Between the Jackets," a book club sponsored by PVCC and Barnes & Noble, began March 27 and continues for the next four months. The book themes revolve around issues of diversity and tolerance.

A special March event, Passport to Asia, was presented by the PVCC International Studies Department in conjunction with Catholic Social Services. Pictured are members of Catholic Social Services.

In honor of Women's History Month, the Women's Leadership Group (WLG) of PVCC sponsored a "Celebration Presentation." Steven J. Acheson, executive director of Life Management Systems International, presented "Creating Healthy Relationships Today and Tomorrow." Mr. Acheson discussed issues for those who are in unsafe and destructive relationships, or abusive situations. After the talk there was a catered reception honoring the PVCC Women Art Faculty Exhibit.

An upcoming event is the Women's Leadership Group Annual Recognition Luncheon to be held Monday, April 1st, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Each year an Outstanding Woman Leader from each college is recognized at this luncheon. PVCC's Woman of Distinction will be announced soon. The event will be held at Estrella Hall Community Room, Estrella Mountain Community College. For additional information please visit the web site at www.maricopa.edu/wlg.

In the future, the PVCC's Disability Resource Center will offer a workshop entitled "Assistive Technology and Universal Design." This workshop will outline how to provide technology-based support for students with disabilities, from planning and implementation strategies to the essential tools you will need. Please keep your eyes open for the announcement.