SAC week explores hate

"I think Why Do You Hate Me Week will be a great new traditionfor The U of M because it will be a way for students to unite on acommon background," said Kim Speros, an undeclared freshman.

The week of events will begin with an interracial forum Monday,in which students from diverse backgrounds will discuss theirexperiences and cover and cover topics such as interracial familiesand interracial dating.

Sharon Barragon from Mexico, Gerry Bednob from Bangladesh andJeff Hodges from Jamaica will give insight on their respectivecultures with comedic performances during the Ambassadors of Comedylive show Tuesday.

"The Ambassadors of Comedy event is going to be a totally newand different experience for our campus," said Aletra Cobbs, whochairs the Student Activities Cultural Arts Committee. "Comedy isone of the common elements that can bring all different culturestogether."

The next day Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of the late Malcolm X andauthor of "Growing Up X," will share her views on racial unity andcivil rights Wednesday.

"I'm hoping (this event) will bring racial unity to our campusand the community around us by her carrying on the message of herfather," said Chase Fryer, chairman of the Student ActivitiesSpecial Events Committee.

The week will close Thursday with speeches from Mr. and MissUniversity of Memphis, Latrell Armstrong and Melinda LaRoco,followed by a unity march. After the speeches, students will makesigns and march from the Rose Theatre to the Panhellenic Ballroomfor the closing reception.

"I think this event will end the week in a celebratory mood andwill hopefully inspire people of all different races to cometogether in unity and put aside personal differences," said ChrisHawk, chairman of the Student Activities Committee for UniversityTraditions.