International & Multicultural Student Center
Who We Are
The MC International & Multicultural Center was founded in 1999 by Dr. Harold E. Barber to celebrate diversity at the college and to provide a platform that addresses the cultural, social, and academic needs of multicultural students.
Our goal is to serve the college community with a wholistic approach in offering programs, advising, and resources that meet the needs of our diverse student body. We encourage student involvement on campus and in the community.
What We Do
The MC International And Multicultural Center is home to the Global Connections Program, International Buddy Program, MC Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Committee, Africa & Diaspora Heritage Committee and the Multicultural Heritage Committee.
Our programs and committees offer an array of opportunities for the MC community which include but are not limited to: field trips, scholarship fairs, global lesson plans, festivals, information sessions, career exploration, ethnic performances, film screenings, reading lists, events, special exhibits, guest speakers, panels, mentoring, advising, conversation clubs, community & business partnerships, community involvement, and various resources. Get involved!
Global Connections Program
Created in 2001 by Dr. Harold Barber, Global Connections provides a platform to address the social, academic and cultural interests of multicultural students and to celebrate diversity at the college.
Events
Global Connections Celebrates Black History Month 2023!
Join the MC Africa & Diaspora Heritage Committee for the following events.....
*ASALH 2023 Black History Month Festival
“A month/long virtual festival of events that will address “Black Resistance”.…This year’s festival will celebrate the theme of black resistance in the past, present and future”. Please see the attached invitation to Montgomery College from the ASALH President.
Invitation Letter (PDF, 
) | See event flier (PDF, )
Dates, Times and Links to 40 Different Free Presentations/ Events: Black History Month Virtual Festival Schedulenew window
Festival Highlights include…..
- ”Poetry: Fighting With Words Then & Now” | February 15 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
- “Resistance & The Black Press” | February 23 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.
MC Black Facts Competition, Feb 1 - March 1 2023
Prizes for winners, include Washington Wizards tickets! MC students only! See event flier (PDF, )
Please see flier. Contact: Gustavus.griffin@montgomerycollege.edu
Global Connections Self-Guided Field Trip: Exhibit "Reckoning: Protest. Defiance.
Resilience”
-at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
“The exhibit looks at the ways in which visual art has long provided its own protest,
commentary, escape and perspective for African Americans".
Reckoning | National Museum of African American History and Culturenew window
Global Connections Mardi Gras Celebration: New Orleans Black Traditions, Feb 21st
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., ST-Atrium, Takoma Campus.
Learn about the New Orleans African-American cultural traditions. Enjoy Mardi Gras,
music, beads, treats, and more! See event flier (PDF, )
*“Freedom: Selected Works from the Uhuru Quilters Guild”
Exhibit located at the Brentwood Arts Exchange. Features 2 quilts by MC Professor Angela Lanier. Begins February 6th. Opening Reception on Feb 18th. Exhibitionsnew window
MC Africa & Diaspora Heritage Committee 2023 Reading List (PDF, )
Centering Black Resistance: A Black History Month Presentation, Feb 23
February 23 at 12:30 p.m.
Zoom Registration: Meeting Registration - Zoom
A joint presentation by Drs. Sylvea Hollis and John Riedl of the History Department,
this program will briefly highlight the origins of Black History Month and focus on
this year's theme: "Black Resistance"
*Co-sponsored by TPSS Student Life"
*Events are either co-sponsored or supported by members of the MC Africa & Diaspora Committee and the MC International & Multicultural Center.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson first started a one-week celebration during the second week of February in 1926. Dr. Woodson was one of the founders of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). This observance was held to commemorate and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments made by people of African descent. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this national celebration because it coincided with the birthdays of abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass, and President Abraham Lincoln. Then In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month. Every US President since then, has proclaimed the month of February as Black History Month. It is also referred to as African-American History Month.
All are invited to attend Global Connections events, which are sponsored by the MC International and Multicultural Student Center and various co-sponsors.
For more information contact Eniola Olowofoyeku at Eniola.olowofoyeku@montgomerycollege.edu
Africa & Diaspora Heritage Committee
The Africa & Diaspora Heritage Committee is a college-wide committee that promotes positive learning and understanding about the history, issues, culture and diversity of peoples of African descent, world-wide. Each year, we offer cultural events, programs, opportunities and resources for students,faculty, and staff. The culmination of all of these events is our annual MC Africa & Diaspora Heritage Festival. For more information on how to become involved, please contact us!
The 1st annual MC Africa and Diaspora Heritage Festival was held at the MC Takoma/Silver Spring campus during Black History Month 2020. Attendees enjoyed cultural displays, performances, food and fun! Check out the highlights in video above.
Check back for updates.
Want to learn more about the world-wide African Diaspora? Check out the videos below and our reading list!
- Reading lists
- 2022 Reading List (PDF, )
- 2020 Reading List (PDF, )
- 2022 Reading List (PDF,
- Maroon Culture videos:
- Juneteenth: Black America's Independence Daynew window:
- What is the world-wide African Diaspora?new window
- African Community Discussion on Mental Health & Wellnessnew window
- UN International Decade for People of African Descentnew window
- Montgomery County, Maryland Ethnic Advisory Groups
- Gondar, Ethiopia -Montgomery County, MD Sister Citynew window
- Akademi Kreyol Ayisyennew window
- Sandy Spring Slave Museumnew window
Asian-Pacific Islander Heritage Committee
The MC Asian Pacific Island Heritage Committee is a college-wide committee comprised of faculty, staff and students whose purpose is to plan various activities at the college that bring awareness to the diversity and accomplishment of Asian-Pacific people.
MC Multicultural Heritage Committee
This is a college-wide committee with a diverse body of faculty, students, and staff who are committed to celebrating the diversity of different nationalities and cultures at the college. The capstone event of this committee is the MC Multicultural Festival which is celebrating its 10 year anniversary in 2020. If you would like to join this committee, please contact Eniola Olowofoyeku at eniola.olowofoyeku@montgomerycollege.edu.
International Buddy Program
The International Buddy Program is part of the MC Mentoring Network: download the IBP Flyer (PDF, ) to apply.
Publications
Hard copies are available on campus of the Multicultural Student Handbook, the Multicultural Center Brochure, and the STSU-101 Course brochure.
Additional Resources
- Boys to Men Program
- F1 Student Coordinators
- MC Study Abroad
- Montgomery College Global Leaders and Speakers Toastmasters - check back for the MC link soon!
- Akademi Kreyol Ayisyennew window
Photo Gallery
