Tear Down a Wall Today

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 7, 2011) - Students are challenging the University of Kentucky community to think outside the box and then tear down a wall.

UK's Catalyst Coalition presents the second annual diversity museum Boxes and Walls, to highlight issues on campus and to advocate for change. Boxes and Walls is an experimental museum used at numerous universities as a unique approach to diversity education.

“This project allows us to look at diversity in a unique and interactive way,” said Nichelle Marshall, Catalyst president and Boxes and Walls overall chair. “The experience brings numerous organizations together to tell their story and to challenge the campus community to make change.”

The project started at UK in 2010 and was sponsored by Student Government, the Student Activities Board and the Catalyst Coalition. This year the project is solely sponsored by the Catalyst Coalition.

“This project falls under the mission of Catalyst, as we provide the campus with opportunities to be educated about social justice and multiculturalism,” said Marshall.

Organizations that are participating this year include: NAACP, Outsource, UK Feminist Alliance, Kentucky Dream Coalition, Delta Phi Mu Sorority Inc., Young @ Heart and the MLKCC Emissaries.

Each organization will have a theme based on what they want the campus community to know about their cause, particular interest, culture, social identity or an issue that affects them at UK. Topics this year include: race, age, sexual orientation, immigration and social change.

“The Boxes and Walls program reflects our founding principle of intercultural exchange and brings to light the under-represented populations on campus and in the community,” said Christy Anderson, Delta Phi Mu president. “As an organization we have encountered the negative impact of stereotypes, and we strive to address the issue by educating our peers and leading by example. We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in Boxes and Walls, and we hope to enlighten the guests.”

This year’s experience will take place on April 8, April 11 and April 12 from 4-8 p.m. in the Center for Student Involvement, located on the ground floor of the Student Center.

“Our hope is that people take advantage of this unique opportunity to be educated about issues that students face when it come to diversity and inclusion,” said Angel Jackson, president of NAACP.

We are challenging the campus to think outside the box, so that our community can begin to tear down walls. 

Media Contact:  Gail Hairston, (859) 257-3302, ext. 235; gail.hairston@uky.edu