‘Taste of Soul’ being held Friday, Feb. 16

The Grand Valley State University Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is set to host an event centered on the history of African-American soul food on Friday, Feb. 16, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center lobby.

The history of African-American soul food dates back to times of slavery, and “Taste of Soul” will go into depth about this history and the resilience of African-American slaves.

For more information, contact the OMA at 616-331-2177.

LGBTQ retreat scheduled for Friday, Feb. 16

The Grand Rapids Pride Center will be hosting a service retreat for LGBTQ students starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, and ending at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17.

The purpose of the retreat is to foster growth, learning and service alongside Grand Rapids LGBTQ advocates. A local church will be providing the overnight accommodations, and there will be carpooling available from GVSU’s campus. The cost for attendance is $10, but it is free if an attendee brings a guest. 

For more information or to apply, contact Wesley Fellowship Interim Director Nancy Jansich at [email protected].

Cultural discussion about henna to be held Tuesday, Feb. 20

For interested students, staff and faculty, Grand Valley State University will be hosting a discussion event about henna on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in North Living Center C.

The discussion, titled “Henna: Appreciation or Appropriation?” will go into depth about cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation with a specific focus on henna design, which originated in the Hindu culture. 

For more information, contact Melaura Rice at [email protected] or Nia Bashir-Benton at [email protected].

Language Festival to be held Wednesday, Feb. 21

The Grand Valley State University Department of Modern Languages and Literatures (MLL) will be hosting its Language Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center on Wednesday, Feb. 21.

The goal of the event is to teach GVSU students the benefits of learning another language and will offer information about study-abroad opportunities, as well as advising, student groups and career benefits. Food will be provided, and the event is free to attend.

For more information, contact the MLL office at 616-331-3203.