Welcome!
What is UMC?
"The United Minorities Council (UMC) is a 30 year old undergraduate student coalition of Penn's Caribbean/African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino, and Native American student organizations. The UMC strives to provide a forum of advocacy, reflection and action on issues of concern to students of color at Penn. The UMC also host two major university activities during the academic year: Unity Week in the Fall and Celebration of Cultures in the Spring.
Upcoming Events
iNeighbor: Unity Week 2009!
Dates: November 1-7
“Neighborhood Block Party!”
Battle of the Spices Festival ~ Sunday, November 1st
A traditional Unity Week event which features UMC constituents cultural food and performances by campus groups.
“Good Care for our Neighbors”
Healthcare Dialogue ~ Monday, November 2nd
With reform on the way, everyone is discussing health care. What challenges to quality care do minority communities face in the current US health care system? How will the reforms being discussed in government play out with respect to minorities? The UMC will host a panel to discuss these issues.
“The Girl Next Door”
SOARS: Story of a Rape Survivor, a project by Penn Professor Salamisha Tillet ~Tuesday, November 3rd
Some issues transcend color, social and economic barriers. One of those issues is experiencing the tragedy of rape. Both women and men of all backgrounds are affected by the physical and psychological effects of rape in communities. This collaborative event would be sponsored by the UMC, sororities of the MGC, Penn One in Four and PWC. There will be a performance by SOARS or the Story of a Rape Survivor - a project by UPenn Professor Salamisha Tillet.
“Organizing for the Neighborhood”
Keynote Address: Professor Melissa Harris-Lacewell ~ Wednesday, November 4th
Princeton Professor of Political Science Melissa Harris-Lacewell will be speaking on the hybrid topic of Race in the Obama Moment and the influence of youth politics and grassroots organization. We will hear Prof. Harris-Lacewell’s take on how the grassroots were involved in Obama’s presidential campaign, and discuss lessons for organizers and activists on campus and beyond.
"UMC’s Neighborhood Culture Share" ~ Thursday, November 5th
Culture share will involve a small group of randomly selected individuals. Each small group will participate in activities that will help them get to know others in their group and understand more about each person’s culture. This event is meant to be an opportunity to not only meet new people, but get to know them on a deeper level and engage in cultural exchange.
