Topics: Inclusive Excellence, University Libraries

January 5, 2022

multicultural center building

The Ball State University Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections, in collaboration with the University’s Multicultural Center, recently debuted the new freely-accessible online digital exhibit, The Ball State University Multicultural Center: Ambassadors of Campus Inclusion and Diversity

Visitors can explore written accounts, historical photographs, news articles, videos, and other documents that highlight the people, resources, programs, events, decisions, ideas, and initiatives that have shaped the Multicultural Center’s sustained success.

“Drawing heavily from primary sources, the exhibit provides a detailed and compelling history celebrating the Multicultural Center’s mission to advance inclusion and diversity at Ball State,” said Dr. Matthew Shaw, dean of University Libraries.

Bobby Steele, director of the Multicultural Center, noted the importance of the community learning and recognizing the historical context within which the Center was created that allows it to flourish today.

“This knowledge helps shape our understanding of the challenges, progress, and the necessary continued efforts for diversity and inclusion,” Mr. Steele said. “The history is pertinent to the future of the Multicultural Center as it strives to be a place where students can continue to feel supported and included in a welcoming environment that promotes academic success, personal growth, and belonging.”

The new digital exhibit includes the history of Unity Week, which is coordinated each year by the Multicultural Center with cooperation from campus partners and student organizations. Dating back to 1978, Unity Week is a popular on-campus celebration dedicated to unifying the Ball State community through enlightened social, cultural and educational events. All events are free and open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Unity Week 2022 begins Jan. 17—the official observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday—and includes a full schedule of events, activities and interactive experiences.