Black History Month

Black History Month is a small but necessary tool dedicated to recognizing the struggles of black men and women destined to overcome the bitterness of slavery. For centuries our descendants have fought for freedom and an opportunity to reactivate the integrity that is etched deeply in their souls.  The University of Memphis recognizes Black History 365 days a year. Speakers are invited during the academic year to share experiences, motivate, and inspire students to succeed.

Through these lectures, students have the chance to become enlightened with current and past issues of our society. Our speakers have included: Activist, Sista Souljah, Na’im Akbar, Judge Greg Mathis, Poet Nikki Giovanni, Journalist Tavis Smiley, Author Bebe Moore Campbell, authors Kevin and Deliso Washington, activist Harry Belafonte  and many local politicians and community leaders.


Black Scholars Unlimited Scholarship Breakfast

Black Scholars Unlimited hosts an annual Scholarship Breakfast to honor minority students who obtain a University of Memphis Scholarship. The breakfast is designed to recognize the academic success of each student for receiving a scholarship and maintaining the scholarship through graduation.   Recognizing students for their academic achievements motivates them to excel beyond their dreams.

Black Scholars Unlimited is prestigious organization designed to achieve academic excellence through Scholarship, Leadership, and Service with a special emphasis towards African American Students.  Black Scholars Unlimited wants to show that African American Students can excel and make a difference at any University if given the opportunity. This organization honors students for succeeding academically, provides incentives to maintain scholarships, and encourages others to take the same path.  Our organization takes advantage of leadership capabilities by being involved on campus as well as in community.  We strive to maintain the principles of our organization by sustaining a positive attitude and remembering the mission.


FRESH Peer Mentor Program

FRESH (Focusing Resources to Enhance Students in Higher Education) is a mentoring program that matches freshmen students with upperclassmen to assist with their acclimation to college life.  The purpose of the program is to personalize the university experience, promote students' self-confidence, help students take advantage of campus resources, while encouraging personal, academic, and professional growth, and increasing cultural awareness.


Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 -October 15. It begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

Throughout the month, a number of activities are held in order to promote awareness of Hispanic Culture.


Minority Awareness Mixer

This event is held at the beginning of the fall semester, welcoming all minority students to campus. Minority student organizations are present to acquaint new students with their organizations. Departments that provide student services are also present. It is carried out in an atmosphere that gives incoming students a chance to meet and talk to returning students.


Multi-Cultural Festival

The purpose of the festival is to assist in eliminating social ignorance through cultural awareness and education. Participants include the: Indian Student Association, Chinese Student Association, Korean Cultural Association, African Student Association, Hispanic Student Association, Jewish Student Association, Pan-Hellenic Council, Inter Fraternity Council, Women's Pan-Hellenic Council, New Directions, Inc. Anthropology Club, Catholic Student Association, and Lifeblood.


Workshops

A variety of workshops are offered during the year to educate minority students to college’s survival skills, such as time management, study skills, discipline and priorities. One of the main workshops is conducted during the Annual Minority Student Leadership Retreat held every fall. This workshop deals with leadership development.

The office also helps to coordinate support for minority students through the campus-wide Educational Support Program, which provides trained tutors at no cost for one-on-one tutoring sessions. In conjunction with other offices on campus, the Office of Multicultural Affairs seeks to provide key services and opportunities to meet the total needs of its students. Some of these offices include Student Leadership and Involvement, Residence Life, Career and Employment Services, Educational Support Programs, Student Activities Council, Honors Program and Campus Recreation.

Assessment and evaluation of Multicultural Affairs programs are done quantitatively and qualitatively, as suggested by CAS Professional standards for higher education. The findings are used to improve programming, services, and staff presentations.