The Intercultural Center at MMC hosts a variety of diversity and inclusivity programs throughout the academic year. With speakers, workshops, social, and cultural events, students have ample opportunity to immerse themselves in the college’s rich array of activities. The programs offer enhanced student learning and help students develop their sensitivity as citizens of a global society.
Affinity Hours in the Intercultural Center
Affinity spaces are formed spaces around a shared identity for people who share this identity to come together to reflect, discuss, and heal together. The Intercultural Center dedicates one hour a week to create an affinity based space for an identity each week. Check out Engage for our monthly calendar to attend. Space is both virtual and in person.
Recognition Months
We continue to celebrate annual events like the programs listed below. In addition to heritage programming, the Intercultural Center sponsors events related to current experiences. If you have a programming suggestion please email interculturalcenter@mmm.edu Check out the calendar and the ‘What’s Happening at MMC’ tab for more events.
Asian Pacific Islander Desi Associated
Asian Pacific Islander Desi Associated (APIDA) Heritage Month is celebrated in the month of May to commemorate the immigration of Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843 as well as pay tribute to the Chinese immigrants who were the majority of workers that laid tracks to the transcontinental rail, completed on May 10, 1869.
The Marymount community celebrates during the month of April in order to allow our community participate in educational, supportive, and celebratory events before the semester ends. Our theme for 2022 is Amplifying Asian Voices. In light of COVID-19, the increase in discrimination, harassment, and violence endured by the APIDA community has left many silent. However, through this harrowing time, many members of the community and its allies have banned together to bring attention and take action. We will continue these efforts by ensuring a space of recognition, celebration, and honor of dynamic contributions made by the APIDA community.
Conversations With The Queen: Mimi Sashimi See her in action and learn about the personal experience of working in the performance field being APIDA & and a part of the LGBTQIA+ Community as our guest Drag Performer, Mimi Sashimi, opens up a conversation and answers some of your questions.
Chinatown Walking Food Tour APIDA and the CPMs as they tour Chinatown to eat at various restaurants and take in the sights of an enriched community.
MOCA Trip The Cultural Peer Mentors hosted a trip to the Museum of Chinese in America, followed by a dinner in Chinatown!
APIDA Identity and Success in the Workplace MMC hosted a workshop that explored how APIDA identity shows up in how we navigate ideas of leadership and success in the workplace. How does the model minority myth impact professional experiences? This session focused on identity and professionalism.
“But You Don’t Look Asian”Roundtable A short film and roundtable discussion on perceptions of Asian ethnicities.
BLSA APIDA Heritage Month Meeting BLSA hosted a talk about how all three of these cultures intersect and appropriate one another.
Boba Kit Giveaway Join the SDA in their Boba Kit Giveaway! Six (6) kits will be awarded to the winners along with an instructional video on how to make your OWN Boba tea at home!
Taste of Culture: Vietnam As part of MMC Week, the Campus Activities Board presented Taste of Culture: Vietnam where the MMC community enjoyed food, music, and games while celebrating Vietnamese culture.
Black History Month
Black History Month is observed in the month of February each year. Dr. Carter G. Woodson is known as the father of Black History, as he started this preservation of legacy with the first Negro History Week in 1926. From there, numerous grassroots movements amplified its importance to grow the week into Black History Month in 1976.
In 2022 for Black History Month our theme is Black Futures. Black Futures challenges us to rekindle the spirit of radical Black imagination. The same spirit that so many of our great Black thinkers, artists, and activists who came before us have practiced, and used in their fight towards helping to build a world in which Black people do not simply survive but thrive in living their unapologetically Black lives.
Showcase: Black People Exist in the Future The Black History Month Showcase seeks to address the question of what Blackness looks like in the far and immediate future, by utilizing dominant forms of artist expression such as: dance choreography, music, poetry, monologues, and more. We will immerse the audience in a multidimensional, multidisciplinary, kaleidoscopic vision of artistic expression…a fashion show, a concert, a poetry slam, a night at the theater, church, therapy, but more importantly, it will be a spiritual journey into the past, present, and future of Black existence.
BLSA: Hair Week Come join BLSA for a week filled with tips, tricks, and the chance to win some amazing products! Check out our MMC Engage page for more information.
A Masterclass with Ryan Jamaal Swain Ryan Jamaal Swain is a triple-threat actor, dancer, and singer who was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for his LGBTQIA+ activism and named by PAPER Magazine as “100 People Taking Over 2019”. As an activist, Swain is a Stonewall Ambassador. He notably partnered with the nonprofit It Gets Better Foundation on the “#48HoursOfLove” campaign, sharing uplifting messages of hope, empowerment and support to LGBTQIA+ students during the stressful back to school season. He was recently honored by the Human Rights Campaign with the Visibility Award and received the Represent Pride Award at the Urban One Honors which recognizes African American luminaries. Ryan has been featured in publications such as Vogue Online, Nylon, GQ, The New York Times, Flaunt Magazine and WWD.
TRAP KARAOKE TRAP Karaoke is all about cultural empowerment, community building, and fun safe spaces! Come out and let’s get lit - your host for the day is Danielle Hay ’20.
Storytelling Through Soul Food Join Jacqueline Orange, the owner of Taste of Harlem Food Tour Inc., as she connects the history of soul food through storytelling. Participants are invited to share their own stories and enjoy a meal.
The Black Experience: Idolized and Stigmatized This trailblazing showcase will look at Black culture and Black history through the eyes of some of the media’s most prolific and iconic Black TV hosts. Tune in, because this is a show you won’t want to miss!
Mental Health and the Black Community Discussion led by Dr. Neda Hajizadeh, former Director of MMC’s Counseling and Wellness Center, and guests on mental health and the Black community.
Coils and Curls Open forum led by Assistant Director of Student and Community Engagement, Zakkiyya Taylor, on natural hair followed by a natural hair product swap.
Latinx Heritage Month
Latinx Heritage Month originally only a week, is now celebrated from September 15 to October 15. September 15 is significant due to numerous Latin American countries that celebrate their independence that day as well as others celebrating their own the days following. This month not only pays tribute to independence but also to the generations of Latinx peoples who have influenced, enriched, and contributed to our nation and society.
Follow along with the Intercultural Center during this month as we commemorate these achievements and contributions through our programs and events throughout campus.
Affinity Space for Students of Color A monthly space to gather around the diverse identities of being a student of color that encourage students to engage in conversations, relieve stress, and build community that will disrupt structures created by oppressors. Wednesday, September 14 – 2:30PM in the Intercultural CenterRegister Here
Speaking Hour - Hablamos Empanadas Why do second languages feel so taboo? How do you navigate the challenging feelings that come with this? Come and discuss, practice, and address the dynamics of language and bilingualism from the lens of the Spanish language, all while eating some empanadas and being led in conversation by Dr. Lorraine M. Martínez-Novoa! Friday, September 16 – 12PM in the Intercultural Center (Carson Hall 412)Register Here
Fall Masterclass- Salsa is Nuyorican “Salsa Is Nuyorican” The music amlagam was created by Puerto Ricans and Nuyoricans in Spanish Harlem. Jose Obando will present the social, economic and social influences through music and dance. Monday, September 19 – 12PM in the Regina Peruggi Room (RPR)Register Here
In The Heights Movie Screening Stop by the Library to watch the screening of “ In the Heights ”! A film version of the Broadway musical in which Usnavi, a sympathetic New York bodega owner, saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life. Tuesday, September 27 – All Day in the LibraryRegister Here
LHM Roundtable Discussion Come join BLSA to discuss what hope, resilience, and perseverance looks like in and for our communities. BLSA looks forward to the support and engagement of available Latinx faculty and staff to create this unique experience. Thursday, September 29 – (6PM) in the Intercultural Center (Carson Hall 412)Register Here
Raíces - Latinx Cultural Showcase The Latinx Heritage Month Showcase: Liberación. This theme highlights the Latinx struggle, heritage, love, traditions, and acceptance our community brings to its people and those around it. Hosted by BLSA, the showcase will be a hybrid of artistic expression: a fashion show, a concert, a poetry slam, a night at the theater, church, an act and so much more. Thursday, October 6- 6PM in CommonsRegister Here
Latinx Heritage Flag and Food Appreciation Potluck Join BLSA in honoring our Latin American countries in a potluck hosted in the Intercultural Center.Friday, October 14 – 3PMRegister Here
Música Buena For an hour every Tuesday join us as we listen to some of the most classic and timeless top hits from genres such as Salsa, Bachata, Reggaetón, and more throughout the decades.Every Tuesday at 12PM in the Intercultural Center (Carson Hall 412)
Latinx Book Highlight Stop by the Library and Intercultural Center all month long to see highlighted books by Latinx authors that you can take out and read.All Month
Symphony of LatinX Heritage Student Activities Advisory Board and the Student Government Association invite you to experience Symphony of LatinX Heritage: Photography Exhibit. This event features student submissions.
Bro-Rito’s Food Truck For all our students on campus, please stop by the front of Carson Hall to experience Bro-Rito’s Food Truck!
Chance to Dance Campus Activities Board sponsored this night’s event featuring dance lessons, food, and a student showcase on LatinX art. Princess Serrano (Class of 2022) instructed Salsa On2 and Tatiana Valencia (Class of 2018) instructed Latin Fusion.
El Museo Del Barrio New York’s leading LatinX cultural institution welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to discover the artistic landscape of LatinX, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures. Cultural Peer Mentors led a group of students to explore El Museo together!
Dia de los Muertos BLSA honored the annual Dia de los Muertos with an ofrenda to remember the dead. In tandem with this event, BLSA hosted a Coco(a) film screening.
LatinX Heritage Month Celebration We brought in Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, who was born and raised in Lower Manhattan by a single mother who emigrated from Puerto Rico to New York and has worked for decades as a civil-servant. There was also a spoken word piece performed by one of our own MMC students as well as appetizers catered by Upper East Side’s Empanada Mama.
Reading Hour - Books by LatinX Authors The College enjoyed an hour of reading books authored by LatinX writers! Books were available to be taken home
Promesa Puerto Rico Sponsored by the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, Student Development and Activities, and BLSA, we invited Natasha Lycia, Ora Bannan, and Howard Jordan for a panel discussion on the Statehood, Economic Crisis, and the Future of La Isla del Encanto.
LGBTQIA+ History Month
While Pride Month is celebrated in June in honor, reverence, and remembrance of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, LGBTQIA+ History Month is in October, established in 1994. National Coming Out Day and the First March on Washington for Gay rights are commemorated during this time.
The MMC Community continues to not only pay homage to the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community but in addition continues to celebrate the journey and skillful persistence of our own students through various programs, resources, and events during this month.
Queer Clothing Swap The Queer clothing swap will encourage gender affirming clothing swaps for the LGBTQ+ Community. A clothing swap is a social gathering where you can bring clothes, shoes, and accessories you’re ready to part with. Folx who are seeking to get rid of old clothing or looking for affirming attire, that is also environmentally friendly, should join SDA & IC for this clothing swap event! Also enter for a chance to win a binder or gaff of your choice! Wednesday, October 4–1:00PM- 3:00PMRegister Here
Drag Bingo CAB, SDA, and the Intercultural Center team up to bring you Drag Bingo hosted by Clarice Heart. Come for a night of Bingo, food, and prizes! Friday, October 7– 5:30PM in the CommonsRegister Here
Fun Til’ 1: National Coming Out Day Join the Campus Activities Board, the Intercultural Center, and Student Development and Activities to celebrate National Coming Out Day! Visit the table to collect a flag and learn a little bit more about the LGBTQ+ community. Tuesday,October 11– 12PM-2PM in Hewitt GalleryRegister Here
Pride Parade For Spirit Day during LGBTQ History Month, we will be having a PRIDE Parade throughout our campus starting in the IC. Tuesday,October 20– 12PM on Main CampusRegister Here
Safe Zone Training Safe Zone is a training program designed to visibly identify students, staff and faculty members who support the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Agender (LGBTQIA+) population. This training will help attendees understand some of the issues facing LGBTQIA+ individuals and make them aware of the various LGBTQIA+ resources. The training session also provides a basic foundation of knowledge needed to be an effective ally to LGBTQIA students and those questioning their sexuality. Friday, October 21 – 12PM in the Intercultural CenterRegister Here
Fall 2022 Masterclass: All Dolled Up In this make-up masterclass, Queens Katarina Mirage and Venus will drag make-up as they teach how to apply make-up on different skin tones, address de-gendering make-up, and the negative impacts media has portrayed. Tuesday,October 25 –2:00PM in the Regina Peruggi RoomRegister Here
Affinity Space A space to gather around the diverse identity of being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. This space encourages students to engage in conversations, relieve stress, and build a community that will disrupt structures created by oppressors. Wednesday, October 26 –2:30PM in the Intercultural CenterRegister Here
Recurring Events
Flag Down This Conversation An online campaignon our Instagram all week to talk about different flags, history, and meaning within the LGBTQ+ Community. Check out our handle @mmc_ic
Pose Hour Join the Intercultural Center for POSE HOUR! During LGBTQ+ History Month from 5:30 - 6:30pm Monday- Thursday, we will be playing an episode from the award-winning POSE, a show set in the New York of the late ’80s and early ’90s telling the story of ballroom culture and the Black and Brown gay and trans community, the AIDS crisis, and capitalism.
LGBTQ+ Book Highlight Stop by the Intercultural Center all month long to see highlighted books by LGBTQ+ authors that you can take out and read!
Weekly Spotlight Check your emails weekly for Tuesday Newsletter from Student Development and Activities as they highlight influential figures within the LGBTQ+ Community!
A Master Class with MJ Rodriguez Join us for October’s Fall Speaker Series, A Master Class with MJ Rodriguez! In honor of LGBTQ+ History Month, we invite MJ Rodriguez to Marymount Manhattan College to share her career journey, to discuss Trans rights, and how she uses her platform to fight for visibility.
Harlem Renaissance and LGBTQ+ Leaders Watch out for this video premier on MMC Engage! Learn about the cultural importance of the Harlem Renaissance and the voices of Black LGBTQ+ leaders during this time period.
New York Historical Society Exhibit Stonewall 50 Students were invited to join on an excursion to Stonewall50 at New York Historical Society which featured two exhibitions and a special installation.
Safe Zone Safe Zone is a program designed to visibly identify students, staff, and faculty members who support the LGBTQ population, understand some of the issues facing LGBTQ individuals and are made aware of the resources that MMC and NYC offer.
National Coming Out Day Roundtable Students were invited to join GSS (Gender and Sexuality Studies) and SDA (the Office of Student Development and Activities) at the National Coming Out Day roundtable. Here, GSS shared key tips and information on how to support your friends with their decision to come out.
Trans AwarenessWeek Students were invited to join GSS and SDA at their information table to pick up advice for trans* people, questioning people, and allies. Additionally, students were welcomed to wear a ribbon for Trans Day of Remembrance.
Trans Day ofRemembrance On this day, we remember and honor transgender people around the world whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender violence
Virtual Book Club Love to read? Join Student Development and Activities in our Virtual Book Club! In her most revealing and powerful memoir yet, the activist, speaker, bestselling author, and “patron saint of female empowerment” (People) explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet others’ expectations and start trusting the voice deep within us.
Native American Heritage Month
During November, the MMC recognizes National Native American Heritage Month – honoring the rich ancestry and traditions of the first people to call this land home. Native American Heritage Month also allows for exchange educating about indigenous communities and sharing awareness of the challenges faced and triumphs endured by Native Peoples.
Acknowledging that the land in which Marymount Manhattan College sits on was previously inhabited by the Delaware tribe (also known as the Lenape tribe) – we invite you to join us during this month for unique learning opportunities in commemoration, celebration, and tribute to First Nation cultures and history.
The Tapestry of American History Through Native Eyes: An Alternative Perspective examines the history and outstanding leaders of the Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere. From Plymouth Rock to Standing Rock the story of Native Americans is one of genocide, exploitation, survival, resilience and hope for the future.
We Are Still Here: How First Nations Survived Pandemics and Other Catastrophes “We Are Still Here: How First Nations Survived Pandemics and Other Catastrophes” is an examination of how Native Peoples throughout the Western Hemisphere overcame epidemics, land theft, forced relocation and the violent attempt to assimilate them through the boarding school system.
Sustain MMC: Indigenous Recipes @SUSTAINMMC on Instagram talks about sustainability in indigenous food, farming, and agriculture.
The Magick Circle: Spiritual Appropriation @THE.MAGIC.CIRCLE on Instagram teaches about spiritual appropriation in the forms of burning sage and the art of smudging.
Keynote Reception MMC hosted a Keynote Reception with speaker Oleana. Oleana is a valued advocate of the Lenape community. A Tsalagi-Algonquian descendant, Oleana is a member of the American Indian Community House and Museum Guide/Educator/Curator/Native American Outreach Liaison.
Museum Tour of the National Museum of the American Indian MMC joined Museum Ambassador, Rhonda Asher for a 1-hour tour of Infinity of Nations: Art and History in the Collections of the National Museum of the American Indian.
Chartwells Native American Cuisine Chartwells celebrated Native American Heritage Month by serving traditional Native American cuisine.
Smoke Signals Film Screening The Office of Student Development and Activities and Cinemaniacs hosted a film screening of Smoke Signals.
First United Lenape Nations Pow Wow and Standing Ground Symposium MMC sponsored tickets for a day of Native art, food, dance competitions, and special performances in addition to a symposium that explores Indigenous culture with Inuit (Inuk) experimental vocalist and artist Tanya Tagaq and fellow artists, writers, scholars, performers, and community leaders.
Women’s History Month
The month of March we recognize and celebrate Women’s History Month. Originally only a week, Women’s History Month began through a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California in order to correspond with International Women’s Day on March 8th.
In 2022, following almost two years of COVID-19 pandemic, women were more impacted than ever before. Last year the world heavily focused on how the pandemic impacted the large and small inequalities from at work and at home. This year we want to celebrate, support, and uplift women in the workforce as we focus on how to continue progressing through new challenges.
Women in the Workplace Join us for a conversation about women, salary negotiations and wage gaps. This is Women’s History month event in collaboration with The Intercultural Center, Student Development & Activities and Career Services. Register Here
Women in Leadership Dinner Please join us for a dinner and discussion with three amazing panelist who will talk about their experience as women in the workforce, share advice, and even answer your questions!
Collection Drive Throughout the month, Marymount Community Outreach will be accepting donations of bras and personal hygiene products to support the organizations of Free the Girls. Visit the Intercultural Center or check your residence hall for donation boxes.
A Masterclass with Nikki Giovanni Join us for March’s Spring Speaker Series, A Masterclass with Nikki Giovanni! In honor of Women’s History Month, we invite Nikki Giovanni to MMC to share her career trajectory and answer your questions!
Health Station Food Truck Come grab a bite to eat from the Health Station Food Truck - a woman-owned company. Health Station is bringing healthy food options to the NYC food truck scene! This truck dishes up a variety of healthy eats that absolutely do not skimp on the flavor.
Becoming Mothers Jacqueline Leon ’22 moderated a panel discussion focusing on mothering and motherhood. Panelists included MMC faculty members Dr. Nava Silton, Dr. Laura Tropp, and Gunjali Trikha, MBA, and MMC staff Kanny Rodriguez.
Self Defense Workshop Brought to you by SGA, CAB, and SAAB! Taught by R.A.D Certified Michelle Quock.
He Named Me Malala Documentary Screening Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSOC) and Student Development and Activities (SDA) presented the documentary He Named Me Malala. This documentary showcases the life Malala Yousafzai.
Wonder Women Marymount Manhattan College’s Science Society presents
Wonder Women
, a panel featuring diverse women with doctorate degrees across fields, including medicine, dentistry, and neuroscience.
Women in Publishing During this one-day workshop, students were able to hear from women leaders across the publishing industry. They shared their experiences in this fast-paced and rapidly changing field. In addition to presentations and panel discussions, the day provided numerous opportunities for informal conversation and networking.
