Student block party to feature diversity organizations, resources

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Connecting students with the resources available to minorities on campus and building a sense of community will be the aim of a Block Party, a group of students is holding from noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 3 on the HUB-Robeson Center lawn.

Organized by a range of student organizations, the Block Party will feature food, games and a DJ, along with speakers. The event will offer new and returning Penn State students a chance to learn about on-campus organizations and meet other students.

Marcus Whitehurst, vice provost for Educational Equity, and Carlos Wiley, director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, will speak at the event. Organizers are hoping to see faculty, staff and community members along with students.

Raenika Crew, an undergraduate in international politics and one of the party organizers, said the idea came from conversations with students and faculty. Often times, new students can feel lost when they come to a campus. So, the hope is that by using a fun venue to share information and resources with them, they’ll feel more connected.

Brooke Jin, a student and one of the organizers, said organizers want new students to feel that Penn State is a place for them.

“We want to expose students as much as possible to what we have on campus. By showing our campus and community resources, the students can feel more at home,” said Jin.

Student organizations participating in the event include the Penn State chapters of the NAACP, Bangladesh Student Association, Caribbean Student Association, Queer and Trans People of Color, Dominican Student Association, Latino Caucus, Black Caucus, Asian-Pacific American Caucus, National Panhellenic Council chapter, Multicultural Greek Council, National Society of Black Engineers, African Students Association and Cubaniches

Along with food, the event will include spoken word performances, dance groups and inflatable bounce houses. The event is receiving support from the University Park Allocation Committee as well as the Office of Educational Equity and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.

Malachi Burden, a senior in engineering, business and finance, and one of the students organizing the event, said it will be a way to create new networks and connections, make friends and find new members for organizations.

Follow the event on Twitter @psublockparty.