C EN T E R
F O R
MU L T IC U L T U RA L
ED U C A T IO N
VOICES
December 2013
Promoting Diversity in the University Community and Beyond...
Secret(ish) Study Spots!
Inside this
Issue:
Dr. Blackwell
Piece
2
Holiday
Celebrations
3
Holiday
Recipes
4
Winter Break
Activities
5
MLK Day Preview 6
Winter break is so close we can taste it! Three full weeks of NO CLASS! However,
before we celebrate, we all have to experience the dreadful week filled with finals. Whether
it’s your first rodeo or your last, we all need to have a nice place to study.
We can study in the main room of the union, but that gets pretty loud. We could study
in the library, but sometimes the silence is overwhelming. Where is a nice in-between?
Look no further – the CME is a great place to study! Plenty of chairs and tables, as well as
some couches that offer a coffee table with a board game or two for a nice study break. Another great spot would be the hidden nooks in the basement of the union. Act like you’re
going down to the computer lab, but after that first flight of stairs, do a 180 either on your
left or right.
Comfy chairs and couches are scattered around to
offer you some reprieve from the noise levels upstairs.
7
CME Student
Worker Highlight
Upcoming Events 8
at the CME
TRIVIA:
Which campus
computer lab is
featured in the picture
below?
Be the first to come to
the CME and answer
the question correctly
to win a free backpack!
What about those of you who don’t have very many tests, but have papers galore?
Often times the Union computer lab is full and the library computers are all taken.
No worries, there are plenty of other labs on campus. Just walk right next door to the
Sabin computer lab. It’s one of the newer labs on campus and has two rooms full of
computers. You could also walk on over to the new Redeker Center computer lab.
Chairs and couches are just outside of the lab too if your eyes need a break from that
blue screen.
Page 2
By Dr. Michael D. Blackwell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Winter_of_Our_Discontent
Often as I approach the seasonal break, I have reminded myself of
William Shakespeare’s play, Richard III, where it is said, “Now is the
winter of our discontent…” Notwithstanding the gift buying and
giving, the spurt of good deeds, the
variety of pathos associated with
this period of time, the thing that
often arrests me is the fact that we
do not use our winters creatively.
Caught by the desire and pressure
to be generous towards others, we
scarcely devote much attention and
earnest to addressing and redressing the root causes of countless social ills. Many, so eager to mimic
or really feel the expected highspiritedness, wind up getting seriously depressed and weighed down
by the inability to fulfill what is
seemingly required. Consequently
they long for the reappearance of
spring and the emotional recovery
that summers bring. By summer’s
end we revert to a distemper and
ironically long for the return of
Thanksgiving and Black Friday to
start the synthetic sensations all
over again.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_III_(play)
One way to interrupt the cycle is
to use our winters more constructively. By using the downtime from
our busy schedules to identify innovative and positive ways to alleviate
the pains people suffer throughout
the year is the noblest of endeavors.
Why not, then, make it our number
one activity during the grandest
stretch of time? After all, is not this
the very spirit of the season itself—
that many religious expressions
proclaim? I am not referring to
shoving a coin into the red bucket
the Salvation Army bell-ringers encourage us shoppers to do or writing a check to the American Red
Cross for disaster relief; these types
of activities are reminiscent of so
called Monday morning quarterbacks assessing Sunday’s games
from the comfort of their comfortable armchairs. What I am recommending is that we resolve to commit ourselves during the break to a
yearlong attempt to figure out in
some specific way how to address
the major issues we confront as a
community, state, and nation.
Of course, I am not prescribing
any particular activity; I am merely
recommending getting started on a
task during this break that shall
last until this time next year. If you
do not look in retrospect next year
that 2014 was the most meaningful
period in your life, then call me a
nut and go about your merry way
again. I guarantee that if you take
me up on my suggestion that your
life will not be fated as Ethan Allen
Hawley in John Steinbeck’s A Winter of our Discontent. As a matter
of fact, I suspect you will be introducing or presenting yourself to me
at the CME’s Martin Luther King
lecture given by Dr. Marcia Riggs
on Monday evening, January 20,
chomping at the bit to tell me how
the MLK Day of Service was earlier.
What a marvelous way to volunteer
your time not only to perform a
good deed, but also to engage in
reflection on the legacy of a person
who gave his life in service to others.
Page 3
always celebrated the same day (25th day
of Kislev). In fact, this year it will fall on
Thanksgiving!
Profession: Residence Life Coordinator,
Department of Residence
What makes Hanukkah special for
you?
Hanukkah is, like all Jewish holidays,
steeped in tradition and history. While
our past has been a difficult one, Jewish
people are known for using humor to survive. In fact, there’s a joke among Jewish
people that most Jewish holidays can be
summed up in nine words: “They tried to
kill us, we won, let’s eat.” Hanukkah is no
different. It commemorates when the
Temple was destroyed in Jerusalem and
Maccabean Revolt.
There was only
enough oil in the lamps to last for a day,
but a miracle occurred and the oil lasted
for eight—which is why we celebrate for
eight days.
What makes it special is that the Jewish
people have a history of being oppressed
and having to fight against very difficult
odds. Remembering that we have kept the
light burning, even in very dark times, is
inspirational and comforting.
How do you celebrate? Traditions?
First, a bit of background: While this is not
one of Judaism’s major holidays (it isn’t
even referenced in the Torah; rather, it is
referenced in historical texts and the Talmud) it has recently enjoyed an increase in
awareness and celebration (partly due to
its proximity to Christmas). Calling Hanukkah “Jewish Christmas,” though, is not
advised as one has nothing to do with the
other. Even though it typically falls on or
near Christmas, like all Jewish holidays, it
is celebrated according to the Hebrew
calendar, so according to that calendar it is
I was born and raised Jewish, but my
mother’s side of the family is Catholic as
she converted before marriage. So, my
family celebrated Hanukkah and then
celebrated Christmas with my mom’s side
of the family. While we didn’t partake in
the religious pieces surrounding Christmas, we did get together to be with family,
give each other gifts, and celebrate the
season of light (which includes both holidays).
For Hanukkah, we would light the menorah after sundown (all Jewish holidays
begin at sundown). The menorah has a
candle for each day and then a “shamash”
candle you use to light the others. There
are prayers for lighting the candles as well
as traditional songs (no, Adam Sandler’s
song is not one of them, but it is one of my
favorites!) After that, we would get presents. Often Hanukkah presents are not
anything big or expensive. For example,
one night we would get candy, or socks, or
new school supplies, or books (education
is important in Judaism; gifts in my family
often reflected that). Typically the present
on the eighth night is the biggest present
(hooray, Best Buy gift cards!) It really
depends on each Jewish family how they
approach presents.
We would go to our Temple and have Hanukkah dinner there, with latkes (although
my mother’s latkes were, of course, better)
and there would be prayers, music, and
sometimes a play (yes, I created the role of
Miriam in a Jewish version of West Side
Story). We would also play dreidel and
win gelt (more candy!) Many Jewish holidays and traditions are designed to be
observed at home, but community celebrations happen as well.
When Hanukkah fell during Christmas, we
would light the menorah at my grandmother’s house (and try to keep it from
burning down the Christmas tree) and
then get up the next morning to go to a
children’s hospital in Chicago where my
dad played Santa Claus. I feel very blessed
that I was able to experience the humanity,
love, and life celebrated in both holidays.
I am usually away from family on Hanukkah,
but I have my own menorah and so I light
candles and say prayers here in Cedar Falls
(I haven’t mastered cooking latkes yet). I
will sometimes invite friends or students to
be a part of the celebration. For me, though,
celebrating my faith is often private and personal. Last Hanukkah, though, I was in a
community show and taught the kids backstage how to play dreidel—that was incredibly special to me to answer their questions
and see their excitement.
What is your favorite part about Hanukkah?
I love the story of triumphing over injustice
and hardship. I love lighting the candles and
praying as they glow.
My favorite part of the holiday can be
summed up in a verse from the Peter, Paul,
and Mary song “Light One Candle.” The
song speaks to not only the pain we experienced then but the pain all people experience
when injustice is allowed to occur.
What is the memory that’s valued so highly
that we keep it alive in that flame?
What’s the commitment to those who have
died when we cry out they’ve not died in
vain?
We have come this far, always believing
that justice will somehow prevail…
Well, this is the burden. And this is the
promise. And this is why we will not fail.
Don’t let the light go out; it’s lasted for so
many years. Don’t let the light go out; let it
shine through our love and our tears.
Don’t let the light go out.
Page 4
Hanukkah:
Drop Doughnuts
http://www.food.com/recipe/drop-doughnuts-133877
Christmas:
Spritz Cookies
Ingredients:
-2 cups sifted flour
-1/3 cup sugar
-3 teaspoons baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 egg, slightly beaten
-3/4 cup milk
-3 tablespoons oil
-additional oil (for frying)
Directions:
Sift together dry
ingredients. Mix together wet ingredients and
incorporate into dry. Stir until
smooth. Drop by
teaspoonful (no bigger) into hot oil
(365 degrees, no hotter), turning
after a few moments until golden
brown on all sides. Remove and
drain. Roll in cinnamon sugar
while still warm and serve. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
Directions:
-1 cup butter, softened
-1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
-1 Egg
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1/2 teaspoon almond extract
-2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-Food coloring, optional
-Colored sugar and decorating
candies, optional
In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg and extracts. Combine
flour and salt. Gradually add to
creamed mixture; mix well. Tint with
food coloring if desired. Using a
cookie press fitted with the disk of
your choice, press dough 2 in. apart
onto ungreased baking sheets. Decorate as desired. Bake at 375° for 6-8
minutes or until set (do not brown).
Remove to wire racks to cool.
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/buttery-spritz-cookies
Kwanzaa:
Sautéed Plantains
http://www.food.com/recipe/sauteed-ripe-plantains-84097
Ingredients:
Directions:
-4 plantains, very ripe (can
substitute 2-3 bananas,
depending on size)
-1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup
margarine
-2 whole cloves (not
ground) (optional)
-2 cinnamon sticks
(optional)
-2 tablespoons brown sugar
Peel ripe plantains and
ensure the pulp is firm and
smells sweet. Heat butter or
margarine (add spices as desired). Saute in at medium
heat until browned about 10
minutes. Sprinkle with
brown sugar, if desired.
Serve immediately as a
side dish or dessert .
Page 5
Looking for something to do over your winter break?
How about snuggling next to a fireplace with a good book!
Through It All: Reflections on My Life, My
Family, and My Faith
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. day, on Monday, January
20, 2014, the CME book club will be discussing Christine King Farris’s
Through It All: Reflections on My Life, My Family, and My Faith. Farris is
the only sister of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Farris’s book she provides a
rare opportunity to learn more about her beloved brother Dr. King, her
family, her own life, and the role that Faith plays in these areas. Consider
reading Through It All: Reflections on My Life, My Family, and My Faith
over your winter break, and then join us for a book discussion on January
20th in the CME. Hope to see you all there!
Orange is the New Black
Reading books over Christmas break is always a fun past time. The books are always better
than the movies anyway... or are they? Orange is the New Black is both an excellent book and a new
hit series on Netflix. It is even their most watched original series. Piper Chapman crazy past catches
up with her ten years later when she is sentenced to an all-women’s-prison for 15 months. Here
she’ll meet some crazy characters and maybe become a little crazy herself. Due to the show’s success,
you can now usually find the book in your local Target or Walmart, and if you don’t have Netflix, you
can always sign up for their one month free trial!
Page 6
Dr. Marcia Riggs
Though sometimes we don’t want to imagine that break
ever ends, unfortunately it does. However, the good news
is right when we come back from winter break is Martin
Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20th. While classes won’t be held that day, UNI is hosting a day of service as
well as a speaker.
We are excited to have Dr. Marcia Y. Riggs join us in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Riggs and Dr.
Blackwell were classmates at Yale Divinity School, and she
will now join two other alumns, Dr. Angelique WalkerSmith and Dr. Drew Smith, as speakers for Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day. At Yale, Riggs continued her trend at her
undergraduate school by being a leader of the Yale Black
Seminarians.
Riggs is the author of a few books, and her research
focuses on religious ethics and ethical praxis—or the lack
thereof—by elected officials and civic leaders. She is a
prominent figure in womanist ethics, and she is also an innovator in her research and practice of the social construction of difference, cultural analysis of religion and conflict,
communicative ethics, transformative mediation and intercultural communication.
Books written by Dr. Marcia Riggs
Plenty Good Room: Women Versus Male Power in the
Black Church (2008)
Can I Get a Witness?: Prophetic Religious Voices of
African American Women--An Anthology, ed. & author
(1997)
Awake, Arise, and Act: A Womanist Call for Black
Liberationi (1994)
She serves on several boards and committees, including
the Encyclopedia on Women and Religion in North America, the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics, and
the Feasting on the Word Lectionary Commentary Series.
Currently, Riggs is J. Erskine Love Professor of Religion
and Ethics, and Director of the Theology Master’s Program
at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.
Riggs received her Ph.D. in religion from Vanderbilt University
in
Nashville,
Tennessee.
Her lecture will be at 7:00 that Monday evening. She
will also be a part of a book discussion, Through It All: Reflections on My Life, My Family, and My Faith by Christine King Farris, that afternoon at 3:30. Both events will
take place in the CME.
MLK Day of Service
Columbia theological seminary. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.ctsnet.edu/faculty-member?
id=34
Marcia y. riggs 1983 m.div.. (2013). Retrieved from http://divinity.yale.edu/marcia-y-riggs-1983-
Every year UNI’s Service and Leadership Council
holds a day of service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This
year UNI is partnering with Project Outreach. Volunteers
will be packaging healthy meals to hand out all over the
Cedar Valley area. If you would like to join in on the fun
this year, you can register online at http://www.uni.edu/
involvement/service/days-of-service/mlk . Students will
meet at Chats in the union at 10:00 AM and will volunteer
until 1:30 PM. A free lunch will be provided.
If for some reason you are unable to make it, you can
still help out! The meals that volunteers will be packaging
cost only a quarter! Though cheap, it still costs money to
fill so many meals. The goal is to distribute 50,000 meals!
Donations can be made by visiting http://
www.youcaring.com/help-a-neighbor/uni-martin-lutherking-day-of-service-2014/107625?utm_source=widget.
Page 7
Nicole Villarreal is a freshman at UNI and has been working at the CME for
around three months. Her favorite part of working at the CME is being apart of
all the great events and she enjoys working with such helpful staff. Nicole is from
Chicago, Illinois and attended Taft High School. She’s from a bigger family with
one brother and three sisters; she is the second youngest.
Nicole chose UNI because she thinks it is a great size fitting her needs. She
was already familiar with the campus with family here in Iowa. Her favorite
memory so far at UNI was attending the JumpStart program, a week-long program for new students with culturally diverse backgrounds, where she met many
great friends. Nicole is a Family Services major and plans to work for a nonprofit
organization after graduation.
Some of Nicole’s Favorite Things!
Color: Purple
Food: Tacos and Sushi
Pets: Fish
Movie: Selena
Store: Forever 21
Class: Human Identity and Relationships
Luckily, you too can play with puppies and other animals from the Humane Society during finals week to lower your stress rate! For
a complete list of events for De-stress Days read the WRS monthly newsletter and go to http://readsh101.com/uni.html
Page 8
December 9:
Reaching for
Higher
Ground Film
Series:
The Harvest
7:00 PM
Location: CME
December 9December 13:
December
21:
Last Week of
Classes
Commencement
December
25:
January 13,
2014:
Christmas Day
School Resumes
December
26:
January 20:
First Day of
Winter Break
December 16December
20:
Kwanzaa Begins
Final Exam
Week
Discussion to
Follow
December 31:
New Year’s Eve
MLK Day of
Service
Look for MLK
Day events on
our website!
We are looking for an original comic strip for our next issue of Voices.
Please submit to Lauren Wypiszynski, the CME graduate assistant,
at wypiszyl@uni.edu or stop by the CME in Maucker Union by January 27,
2014 to drop off your comic strip.
Center for Multicultural Education
109 Maucker Union
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0165
Phone: 319-273-2250
Email: cme@uni.edu
Website: www.uni.edu/cme
Our Mission:
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We foster success in racial and ethnic minority students, contribute to the cultural competence of all
students, and promote an appreciation of diversity in the University Community.
Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Michael D. Blackwell
Co-Editors: Lauren Wypiszynski and Brittni Haag