by Ashley Bowman
The month of March celebrates the 19th annual UK Cultural Diversity Festival. This week is also the 14th year to recognize Islam Awareness Week.
Initiated by the Islamic Society of Britain in 1994, the idea revolved around raising awareness and removing misconceptions surrounding the faith.
The website, Islamic Awareness Week, emphasizes that, “Islam is not a new religion. It is not specific to any people or region. It is a message to all to live in service of their Creator, of good and virtue and in service of each other. In Islam, there is no compulsion or coercion in matters of faith and religion. Tolerance of differences is an essential part of this paradigm.”
This is also the feeling that many of the people and groups involved at UK share. They are celebrating IAW and offering student interaction through multiple events.
A talk titled “Jesus in Islam,” will start off the events tonight. Part of the Diversity Dialogues, the discussion is free and open to the public.
* 7:00 pm
* E.S. Goodbarn, Gorham Hall.
Tuesday night is all about the Bangladesh Cyclone Fundraiser.
A reception will start the event
* 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
* E.S. Goodbarn
The fundraiser will follow
* 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Part of the festival workshop series, an event titled “Islam 101,” will revolve around honoring Muslim students’ culture‚ faith and stories. Presented by Jenny Sutton, the Executive Director of the Islamic Resource Group.
* March 6‚ Noon – 1:30 p.m.
* 206 Student Center
* free lunch served
* students, faculty and staff welcome
* limited space available
E-mail Mahjabeen Rafiuddin, Director of Student Diversity Engagement at the Office for Multicultural Student Affairs to reserve a spot.
mahjabeen.rafiuddin@uky.edu
To see a full schedule of events, click here
