Hello Prof. O'Neil,
This is GA. I am sending you an email because I would like to inform you about a great opportunity that is available for students and faculty members. As Programs Coordinator for Multicultural Student Services, I am currently organizing a mini concert on campus.
In recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, the concert will feature a Syrian American hip hop artist called Omar Offendum. He has contributed to educating the American public about the Arab community and cultures in the US. He is one of the leading Arab American artists who strive to connect the Middle East and US through music and poetry. Last year, he co-wrote a song called "#Jan25" which discussed the Egyptian protest that was the center of the international attention (please check out this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCbpiOpLwFg) He was interviewed by PBS, Al Jazeera, BBC, and other well-known broadcasters for this particular song.
The concert is going to be held on April 24th (Tues) from 630 to 730 in the Rotunda. I believe this is the first program at UPS that features an Arab American hip hop artist. I initially planned this program because I want students to experience different facets of the American diversity. I think many students who are taking PG classes are currently enrolled in the informal Arabic classes and are planning to take official Arab classes next year. This concert will definitely help expand students' interests in Arab cultures and Arabic -- Omar will read poems in Arabic and rap in both Arabic and English. I would appreciate if you could make an announcement in class and encourage your students to attend this program. If you could also post the attached poster on the PG blog, many students would learn about this opportunity as well.
Thank you very much,
G.A. Kang
Programs Coordinator
Multicultural Student Services
University of Puget Sound
diversityprograms@pugetsound.edu
