Marselle Washington

Thursday, April 30, 1998

Marselle Washington

CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Direct Service, Direct Action, Dialogue and Diversity are the
four components of PRAXIS and the driving force behind my interest
in becoming cultural affairs commissioner. Diversity has always
been important to me, as I feel it is necessary to be educated
about one’s own culture as well as the cultures of those around
us.

In the Cultural Affairs Commiss-ion I plan to support and
financially assist programs such as Pan African Night and Pilipino
Cultural Night. These programs not only provide entertainment but
also a historical background; they serve to educate the
participants as well as the viewers on the purpose and meaning
behind a practice or tradition. This will be accomplished through
guest speakers as well as informational pamphlets reinforce the
significance of the event.

Secondly, I am interested in working on a political concert
which will come off somewhat like a mini-Lollapalooza. The concert
will involve a wide genre of musical acts ranging from rock to rap
to alternative.

It will serve not only to bring people together, but its
proceeds will go toward community service projects that support
higher education (versus prisons) and a prison-building
moratorium.

Unlike my opponent, who is concentrating on the evening van and
escort services, I would like to direct Cultural Affairs efforts
and support towards culture.

I will use the theory of reflection and action to take the
experience I’ve had this year as chief of staff for Cultural
Affairs to improve the office as well as overall diversity on
campus.