UAB will recognize its diverse campus culture during its annual Community Week celebration Jan. 23-30. Community Week is designed to challenge ideas related to diversity and to spotlight various campus cultures through lectures, films, musical performances and an international bazaar.

On Monday, Jan. 25 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. the UAB English Language and Cultural Institute will present a Language Exchange in the UAB School of Education Room 150. Students representing several nations will teach participants to pronounce various foreign words and phrases. This free event also will feature ethnic music. Call 975-6638 for more information.

The ninth annual UAB International Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27 in the Hill University Center Great Hall and will feature exhibits showcasing arts and crafts and information about specific countries

The week’s events also will include presentation of the annual UAB President’s Awards for Diversity on Thursday, Jan. 28. The award, named in honor of the first recipient of the Diversity Awards, UAB President Carol Garrison, recognizes the importance of institutional diversity and honors those who nurture diversity of thought, culture, gender and ethnicity on the UAB campus and elsewhere.

Immediately following the awards presentation, best-selling author, sociologist and entertainer Bertice Berry, Ph.D., will present a free, public lecture, “Finding Your Purpose,” at 9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28 in the Hill University Center Alumni Auditorium. Call the UAB Office of Student Involvement at 205-975-9509 for details.

Berry is the former host of the syndicated talk show “The Bertice Berry Show.” Her best-selling books include I’m on My Way, But Your Foot is on My Head, Jim & Louella’s Homemade Heart-fix Remedy, The Ties That Bind and You Might Be Ghetto If. Berry, a sociologist, specializes in issues of gender, equity and race. To learn more, visit her site at www.berticeberry.com.
Check the UAB Campus  Calendar for a list of all Community Week events.