April 6, 2007

Special weeks, New Heights celebrate multiculturalism

Springtime at UC Davis brings with it the campus's annual celebration of multiculturalism -- Native American Culture Days, Asian Pacific Culture Week, La Raza Cultural Days and Black Family Week, plus the Soaring to New Heights lunch program.

This year's Soaring to New Heights event is scheduled from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 17 in Freeborn Hall. If you plan on attending, you need a ticket -- and today, April 6, is the last day to buy them. They will not be sold at the door. Tickets are $5; ticket sellers are listed online, occr.ucdavis.edu/soaring.

An international buffet is planned, along with entertainment and an information fair. The program also features the presentation of the annual Diversity and Principles of Community Achievement Recognition Awards.

Here is a list of the other celebrations, dates and Web sites, plus a summary of information on the Web sites:

Native American Culture Days -- April 9-13, "One Land, One People." Sunrise and sunset ceremonies, panel discussions, workshops, concert, films, art show and youth conference; community dinner and student-faculty-staff lunch; and powwow combining a comedy jam and a diabetes awareness program. spac.ucdavis.edu/programs/nacd.

Asian Pacific Culture Week -- April 16-20. Kickoff on the Quad, speakers and the annual Culture Night talent showcase. spac.ucdavis.edu/programs/apcw.

La Raza Cultural Days -- April 30-May 5. Kickoff on the Quad, art exhibits, political forums, performing artists, seminars, films and talent show. The week culminates with the daylong La Gran Tardeada celebration, featuring a children's fair, health fair, community run, entertainment, exhibits and traditional foods. spac.ucdavis.edu/programs/lrcd.

Black Family Week -- May 14-19, "PATH: Promoting and Tracing Heritage." Food, performances, children's fair, wine and jazz social, job fair and more. spac.ucdavis.edu/programs/bfw.

And do not forget these other springtime celebrations:

Picnic Day -- April 14. picnicday.ucdavis.edu.

Thank Goodness for Staff Picnic -- May 9. staff.ucdavis.edu/tgfs/index.html.

Whole Earth Festival -- May 11-13. wef.ucdavis.edu.