March 27, 2009

International Week Features Naomi Tutu

Nontumbi Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, highlights the third annual Mississippi Valley State University International Week during April 13-17.

In celebration of the theme, “Promoting Cultural Diversity and Improving International Understanding,” a variety of events are planned, including entertainment by the Beatin' Path Rhythm Drum Circle. Also scheduled to perform are Joe Caploe & Neck-n-Neck, a group of musicians who are fluent in many styles of music including jazz, African, Indian, Latin, Indonesian adn improvisational music.

Activities for the general public begin on Tuesday at 10 a.m. with the Beatin’ Path Rhythm Drum Circle. A drum circle is a highly interactive activity where everyone is provided a drum or rhythm instrument and the group is guided through an "in the moment" musical experience. Because each group is different, each experience is unique, explains Sylvia Gray, coordinator of International Week. “Community spirit, teamwork and diversity are all emphasized and celebrated,” said Gray.

On Wednesday, April 15, Valley students will enjoy a pizza luncheon featuring the college food staple with an international flare. The event begins at 11 a.m. in the MVSU Student Pavilion. At 2 p.m., a diabetes forum will be held in Carpenter Auditorium. Diabetes is one of the leading health risks in the Mississippi Delta.

Thursday, April 16 features the colorful Parade of Flags at 9 a.m. which features 193 flags representing all the world’s independent countries.

The annual convocation featuring human rights activist Nontumbi “Naomi” Tutu begins at 10 a.m. in Carpenter Auditorium.

The challenges of growing black and female in apartheid South Africa has led Tutu, third child of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu to speak about her passion for human dignity.

“These experiences taught how much we all lose when any of us is judged purely on physical attributes,” said Naomi Tutu. A native of South Africa, Tutu has lived in Lesotho, the United Kingdom and the United States. She was educated in Swaziland, the U.S. and England, and has divided her adult life between South Africa and the U.S. 

Tutu’s professional experience ranges from being a development consultant in West Africa, to being program coordinator for programs on Race and Gender and Gender-based Violence in Education at the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town. In addition Ms Tutu has taught at the Universities of Hartford and Connecticut and Brevard College in North Carolina.

On Friday, April 17, the Cultural Exhibits open at 9 a.m. in the Lackey Recreation Center. The World Music Clinic will be held at 11 a.m. in the Fine Arts Building. The event culminates at 6 p.m. with the International Banquet in the Lackey Recreation Center.  The banquet includes a fashion revue, silent auction and Language Institute performance. Also featured will be Joe Caploe & Neck-n-Neck of Platteville, Wisc., a group of musicians that feature all original music with high energy rhythms and solos.

For more information, contact the Office of International Programs, 254-3092. 

– MVSU – 

SCHEDULE OF INTERNATIONAL WEEK ACTIVITIES

APRIL 13-17

Tuesday, April 14

10 a.m. Beatin’ Path Rhythm Drum Circle, Lackey Recreation Center

Wednesday, April 15

11 a.m. Student Luncheon “Pizza Around the World,” MVSU Student Pavilion

2 p.m. Diabetes Forum, H.G. Carpenter Auditorium

Thursday, April 16, 2009

9 a.m. Parade of Flags (begins at Charles R. Lackey Recreation Center and continues to the H.G. Carpenter Auditorium)

10 a.m. Convocation featuring Nontumbi Tutu, H.G. Carpenter Auditorium 

Friday, April 17, 2009

9 a.m. Cultural Exhibits, Charles R. Lackey Recreation Center

11 a.m. World Music Clinic, Fine Arts Building

6 p.m. International Banquet/Fashion Revue/Silent Auction/Language Institute featuring Joe Caploe & Neck-n-Neck of Platteville, Wisc., Charles R. Lackey Recreation Center.