In an effort to spread the messages of diversity and cultural acceptance, the Diversity Advocates group at Saint Louis University planned a series of events for Colors Week `99. “Diversity Through the Eyes of the World” focused on presenting the issues in today’s society.

“Colors Week promotes multiculturalism and diversity,” said David Clark, assistant director of the Office of Student Life. “The issues cover both positive aspects and negative ones. to help make students aware of all diversity issues.”

The Diversity Advocates group consists of Saint Louis University students Chantel Fuqua, Eric Nolan and Anil Harjani. The trio began its work during the beginning of the fall semester by brainstorming for ideas on how to address and present the issue of diversity.

“Colors Week is an initiative of the Diversity Advocates,” Clark said. “The three students are responsible for all of the passive and active programming that goes on during this week.”

The week began with a showing of the movie American History X on Monday, Oct. 25 in the commuter lounge of the Busch Memorial Center. Afterward, the audience discussed the ideas presented in the movie concerning modern-day racism.

“We wanted something very controversial that would spark interest,” Fuqua said. “We thought that this film, which talks about things such as Nazism, civil rights and the Holocaust, shows that racism still exists. It brought up a lot of topics. it was a pretty heated discussion.”

Students had the opportunity to experience a taste of cultural diversity on Tuesday, Oct. 26, as Griesedieck Hall cafeteria hosted “International Food Night,” serving a variety of Mexican, Asian and Carribean dishes.

Wednesday evening, guest speaker Claudia Charles from the Student Health and Counseling Center addressed the topic “Dating 101: Contemporary Issues” in Griesedieck Hall lobby. The Diversity Advocates used role-playing techniques and scenarios to address the topic of interracial dating. Fuqua said that the event aimed to cover all controversial issues, including homosexual and heterosexual relationships, date violence, date rape and abuse.

“We basically did a skit to present interracial dating,” said Fuqua. “We wanted to show the stereotypes that parents and friends may have and also the peer pressures and comments people may have.”

The final event of Colors Week `99 occurs tonight as movie clips and a discussion regarding ethnic stereotypes will be held in the Griesedieck Hall lobby at 6:30 p.m. Thursday’s event is presented by the Classic Living Cultural Awareness Committee.

Harjani said that he hoped students would be able to come to their own conclusions after the events of Colors Week `99. “Some students are not too aware of the different cultures around here. Some may have come from areas where there’s not much diversity,” Harjani said. “We want to educate them and help spread awareness of cultural diversity.”

Colors Week `99 is sponsored by Student Life and the Diversity Advocates and co-sponsored by the Black Student Alliance, the Indian Asian Student Association and the Department of Residence Life. BSA and IASA assisted by providing refreshments at the week’s events.

Clark applauded the efforts of the Diversity Advocates. “They have worked so hard to plan the events,” Clark said. “They’ve shown their dedication and are committed to what they’re doing to try to make this week a success.”