Activities emphasize social justice, human rights

January 25, 2013

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A revamped People Awareness Week at the University of Florida debuts Sunday in partnership with the Martin Luther King Steering Committee. The program is hosted by the department of housing and residence education.

PAW 2013 kicks off with a service project at Ronald McDonald House and is a weeklong event filled with activities that discuss human rights and bring light to social justice issues.

In partnership with the MLK Steering Committee, noted author Michael Eric Dyson will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Reitz Student Union Grand Ballroom. The Human Rights by Human Hands Art Show hosted by the MLK Steering Committee is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Reitz Union Orange and Brew.

People Awareness Week began in the 1990s and focuses on diversity and social justice issues. Activities are designed to encourage students to discuss ways to promote positive sustainable change. Riding the Diversity Wave at Lakeside at Lakeside Residential Complex Commons on Thursday will display the benefits of diversity in society and in school.

“People Awareness Week is a time to create opportunities and to engage our residential community in reflection and dialogue about diversity,” said Beverly Cribbs, a graduate staff member for the department of housing and residence education and a coordinator for the week.

Two International Coffee House programs close the week of activities. At these programs, attendees have the chance to discuss their experiences with diversity and social justice issues. The coffee houses will be at 6 p.m. Friday in the Reid Gallery and 7 p.m. Saturday in the Diamond Community Room.

Throughout the week, a food drive will be held to support the local community. Items can be donated at the Corry Village Community Center.

“I hope that students have at least one valuable moment in which they learn something about themselves, others, or the world around them,” Cribbs said.

Find out more by visiting the Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/groups/468908259812727/.