Contact: Aspen Harris

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State is observing Native American/American Indian History Month with events hosted by university groups and a keynote from Chief Cyrus Ben of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

The signature event of the month, “Life As: Fostering Identity Through Academic Achievement,” will feature a keynote speech from MBCI Chief Cyrus Ben, Nov. 15, 6-7:30 p.m. in Fowlkes Auditorium in Colvard Student Union.

Sponsored by the Office of Academic Access and Support in the Division of Access, Diversity and Inclusion, the event also will showcase Indigenous culture with a dance performance from the Indigenous Students and Allies Association and a panel featuring members of the student organization. The U.S. national anthem will be sung in the Choctaw language by Karsyn Wallace, Choctaw Central Middle School’s American Indian Day princess.

Preceding the evening event on the same day, the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center also presents a “Cultural Exhibit” Nov. 15, 2:30-4:30 p.m., celebrating the Indigenous heritage through experiencing the traditions, art and flavors of this culture.

The university continues the month’s celebration with the Division of Access, Diversity and Inclusion-sponsored Native American/American Indian History Month Mixer for faculty, staff and students, Nov. 21, 3-5 p.m., at the Butler Guest House. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact the division at 662-325-2859 or adi@msstate.edu.

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