Ball State is hosting its annual Unity Week Jan. 15 - 21.

According to the Multicultural website, "Unity Week aims to challenge perspectives on matters of diversity, inclusivity, and solidarity in an evolving social climate. Unity Week 2024 marks the 44th annual Unity Week celebration at Ball State University."

The week of events is planned by student organization leaders and professional staff from across the university. Since 1980, Unity Week remains dedicated to unifying the Ball State community through enlightening social, cultural, and educational events.

Unity Week 2024 Schedule of Events

MONDAY, JANUARY 15:

• MLK Breakfast: 9:30-11:00am at Cardinal Halls
  • The annual MLK Celebration hosted by the Muncie Community and Ball State University to commemorate the life and contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• MLK March: 11:30am-12:30pm starting at SC - CANCELED DUE TO COLD WEATHER
  • Meet outside of the Student Center for the Annual Unity Week March to follow the MLK Breakfast

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16:

• Disability Presentation: 2:00pm at SC Forum Room
  • This presentation will discuss best practices for creating an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. This workshop is designed to enhance the participant’s understanding of disability etiquette and empower students to effectively advocate for themselves and others.
• MLK Speaker Featuring Ben Tapper: 7:00pm at Pruis Hall
  • The speaker this year is Benjamin Tapper, Chief Diversity and Equity Officer for Indianapolis. Mr. Tapper is a renowned DEI professional, facilitator, and speaker. Benjamin is dedicated to facilitating crucial conversations on belonging, inclusion, and justice. He guides businesses and nonprofits through impactful discussions on racial equity, fostering authentic connections and self-awareness. Participants will leave with valuable insights and tools for fostering inclusive and just organizational cultures. We hope to see you all on Tuesday!

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17:

• Spectrum Queer Monologues: 7:00pm at Pruis Hall
  • Spectrum presents a free, theatrical performance of coming out stories. Stories will address humorous, challenging, heartbreaking, and real experiences many folx in the Queer Community Face. All welcome!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18:

• Housing and Residence Life Service Event: 1:00pm-4:00pm at Residence Halls
• Asian Student Union Sushi Night: 5:00pm at the Multicultural Center
  • Sushi – Japan’s National Dish. In Japanese culture, influenced by Buddhism, the fish represents freedom of will, fearlessness, and happiness. As we move into Unity Week, we hope to empower Cardinals in seeking out their happiness and enduring their authentic selves. Come join the Asian Student Union for our Sushi Night to eat and learn about Asian cultures.
• SCP Open Mic Night: 8:00pm at Noyer

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19:

• Latinxpalooza: 6:00pm at SC Ballroom
  • Latinxpalooza is a long-standing and annual non-competitive talent showcase hosted by the Latinx Student Union. Come for the variety of talents – dancing, singing, and more. Stay for the cultural and community appreciation!
• Unity Week Movie (Back to Natural): 9:00pm at Pruis Hall
  • Back to Natural: A Documentary Film is a groundbreaking 75-minute documentary film that takes a shocking and emotional look at the intersection of hair, politics, and identity in Black communities. This documentary is a powerful, thought provoking, call for healing that takes a grass roots approach to exploring the globalized policing of natural black hair. Join us on this journey of discovery and enlightenment while celebrating our history and natural styles that are taking the world by storm.
    This is a Reel Inclusion/Friday Night Filmworks screening, held as part of Unity Week events.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20:

• Beneficence Leadership Conference: 9:00am-1:00pm at SC
  • The fifth annual Beneficence Leadership Conference offers students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to learn with and from each other. The Conference will be held on Saturday, January 20th in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. This is a free, open-access opportunity that is hosted by the Office of Student Life in collaboration with the Multicultural Center and Housing & Residence Life.
• All Are Welcome at Late Night: 8pm-12am at SC
  • Late Nite @ Ball State offers a series of high-energy events which provide quality entertainment for Ball State University students every Saturday night. Late Nite events are hosted by students, for students and always include great food, awesome activities, and tons of fun!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21

• Black Student Association Unity Pageant: 7:00pm at Pruis Hall
  • The Black Student Association’s 55th Unity Pageant will be on January 22nd at Pruis Hall. The Unity Pageant is Ball State BSA’s premiere co-ed pageant. This pageant gives students the chance to show their knowledge and talents for the chance to win one of many scholarships. Unity Pageant began in 1969 originally being hosted as Miss Black Ball State. Throughout the years there have been many changes to the pageant, making it what it is today. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will start at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Contact the Daily News with comments at editor@bsudailynews.com or on X @bsudailynews.

Share