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LIFE AT WSU

  • Multicultural Programming

    Mission

    Multicultural Programming primary mission is to coordinate and implement, comprehensive educational, cultural and social programs that celebrate cultural contributions. These programmatic efforts are designed to promote intercultural dialogue while creating opportunity for students to develop and expand their cultural competencies and knowledge in order to combat biases, bigotry, and racism. The ultimate goal is to expose and educate all students to understand and appreciate racial and ethnic differences.

  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Breakfast

    This annual event celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the achievements of Worcester’s youth. The all-youth program consists of poetry, dance, music, and readings based on Dr. King’s life and teachings. Students from both public and parochial high schools in Worcester compete in a poetry-writing contest addressing Dr. King’s philosophy, principles, and goals around non-violence, unity, equality, and ending racism and discrimination. They must research Dr. King’s life and become knowledgeable about the power of non-violence and the importance of civic responsibility. An annual poster contest, organized in partnership with Worcester Academy, showcases our youth’s creative and artistic representations of Dr. King.

    Each year, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast program also honors and celebrates the contributions of leaders around the city who continue to provide opportunities and pathways for Worcester’s youth:

    • The Dr. George Storms Smith Youth Service Award recognizes an individual within the city who has demonstrated exceptional service to our youth.
    • The Dr. George Storms Smith Community Service Award recognizes a youth of 20 years old or younger who exemplifies the teachings of Dr. King through distinguished community service and academic achievement.

    Co-sponsors of the event include the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Conference and Event Services, Chartwells, the Latino Education Institute, the Dennis Brutus/Merrill Goldwyn Center for the Study of Human Rights, Publications and Printing Services, the Worcester Youth Commission, and Friendly House.