The idea of Unity Week was initiated in 1997. During the Leadership Retreat, sponsored by Student Organization and the Office of Student Affairs, several student leaders thought it would be appropriate to have an event that celebrated diversity and promoted unity. The following April, in 1998, the inaugural Unity Week was held.
Unity Week has two distinct purposes: to celebrate the cultural diversity of the Kean community and to bring administrators, faculty, staff and students closer together. This is done through quality, campus-wide programming and events.
This year’s Unity Week went from Monday, March 14 to Friday, March 18 2016. Michael Lynch, senior graphic design major, states, “Unity [W]eek is a chance for all of us to come together and enjoy what’s different about each of us.”
One highlight of Unity Week was the concert. On Thursday, March 17, 2016, students came from every direction to see the two performers. At 9:30 p.m., a line wrapped around Wilkins Theatre as attendees waited in anticipation to get their tickets for the show. It featured artists Kehlani and Jeremih, who are both renowned musicians within the industry.
“It’s cool that we can have shows like this with artists that are so popular with our generation right now,” Lynch states.
Kehlani is a 20 year old Oakland-born R&B singer/songwriter. Within the last couple years, as her music became increasingly popular, she has risen to stardom and made a name for herself. Most of her songs are a conversation piece between her and listeners. Her music is honest and open, frequently referencing her life, successes, failures, loves, heartbreaks, pain, passion, triumph and everything in between.
Kehlani has each verse written in a way that is incredibly relatable; however, at the same time her music tells a story that distinctly belongs to her. Almost overnight, her new sound and exceptional vibe became a hit and she has since been a fan favorite among thousands of people.
Jeremih is an R&B/soul singer and songwriter. He has been a household name for the last few years, with his music being recognizable all around the county. Native of the unforgiving Southside of Chicago, he has a soulful voice with an uncanny falsetto. His songs frequently touch on his love life, relationships and life experiences.
Jeremih plays multiple instruments ranging from drums to piano to saxophone. During his performance, he showcased some of his talents by playing the piano and singing acapella.
The Office of Student Government represents two of Kean University's student governments: Student Organization, which serves as the full-time undergraduate student government, and Graduate and Part-time Student Council (GPSC).
Student Organization offers students the opportunities for a professional voice and involvement in university decisions that affect the student population; the organization enhances the learning environment through leaders who serve the concerns and interests of the students. GPSC provides a voice for graduate and part-time students; it fosters the development of an interactive and stimulating student environment by growth. Both organizations exist to serve the student body. The often hold events that enrich the academic, social and cultural experiences of the community.
“I think it’s [Unity Week] about always having respect for each other and remembering how important unity is,” Lynch states. Unity means oneness or togetherness. This very concept has tremendous potential.
Unity is such a powerful concept because when there is oneness, there is likely to be more strength in opinion, more strength in action and more strength in character. An individual is undeniably less effective than a group. Diversity adds a degree of character to a community with each person offering a unique perspective and opinion.
Hopefully, through Unity Week, students developed a thorough appreciation for the diversity that is all around them each day and promote unity in their surrounding world.
