The public is invited to celebrate and explore diversity and contemporary social justice issues at Highline College on April 22-26.

Now in its 22nd year, Unity Through Diversity Week will include free events and a wide range of guest speakers.

Another annual Highline event – GlobalFest – will also be part of the festivities, capping off Unity Week with food trucks, entertainment and a parade around campus.

The new Parade of Nations, featuring 76 flag bearers holding flags from around the world, will be an opportunity for students to show pride in their culture, countries and community. After the parade, attendees can enjoy authentic food from different cultures, dance performances, singing and even a fashion show – all within the East parking lot of campus.

Information about the celebration and full program descriptions are available on the Unity Through Diversity Week page.

Event Schedule

All events are free and open to the public and will be held on the college’s main campus in Des Moines, midway between Seattle and Tacoma at South 240th Street and Pacific Highway South (Highway 99).

Monday, April 22

• 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Keynote lecture presented by Dr. Debra Jenkins: “Ignited and United: Inspiring ‘Within’ to Do the Critical Work ‘Without’”

Location: Building 7

• 1:30-3 p.m.

Workshop presented by Dr. Karen Myers: “The Ability Ally Initiative”

Location: Building 8, Mt. Constance Room

Tuesday, April 23

• 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Lecture presented by Javier Sethness-Castro: “Struggles Across Borders: Resisting Climate Breakdown and State Violence”

Location: Building 8, Mt. Constance Room

Wednesday, April 24

• 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Lecture presented by Dr. Alvin Logan: “A Tree Without Roots: Protecting Black Spaces in Predominantly White Environments”

Location: Building 7

• 6-8 p.m.

Workshop presented by Sandy Restrepo: “La Cultura Cura/Culture Heals”

Location: Building 8, Mt. Constance Room

Thursday, April 25

• 9-10:30 a.m.

Presentation by author Jeb Wyman: “What They Signed Up For: Veterans Stories of Coming Home From War”

Location: Building 2

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Lecture presented by Victoria Benavides: “Owning Your Strengths: Understanding Your Resilience As a First-Gen Student”

Location: Building 8, Mt. Constance Room

Friday, April 26

1-2 p.m.: Parade of Nations

2-5 p.m.: GlobalFest festival

Location: East Parking Lot