Interracial understanding a goal for POWER
Participating in the Campus Dialogue on Race is one major goal of People of the World End Racism.
Under the faculty leadership of Kim Abel, POWER got its start in 1992 to plan and promote activities to celebrate Martin Luther King’s birthday. Since then, the group has expanded its focus. This year, for the first time, the college will be closed in observance of King’s birthday on Jan. 18.
Abel said POWER is open to ideas for honoring other significant days or events such as Hispanic Heritage Month in September.
"I just need interested students with some ideas," Abel said.
In past years, members have participated in a number of activities designed to promote understanding between people of different races. Last year, POWER members led discussions with high school students on racial issues.
In addition to sponsoring speakers and performance groups who focus on racial topics, POWER members volunteer their time to chaperone open gyms and dances for young people in the Illinois Valley area.
POWER has already had one organizational meeting, but a second organizational meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. in C-103. Abel said the group was hoping to connect with as many students as possible.
"We welcome any students with an interest in promoting interracial understanding," she said.
Sept. 17, 1998 the Apache