2013 Delta Days celebrates who we are

This year’s celebration of diversity at Colorado School of Mines explored the concept of identity. Delta, or “change” Days is put on by the President’s Committee on Diversity each year to not only commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but also to recognize the importance of diversity on the CSM campus.

The President’s Committee on Diversity and several organizations on campus organized many events throughout the week that keyed in on identity. Demi Awolaja, a freshman at Mines said, “Delta Days was a blast! I mean, what more could you ask for – free cake, a concert, inspirational, thought-provoking speakers, and fun dancing.” The Mines community not only got their fill of delicious cake on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, but also explored important themes in identity and diversity such as the imposter syndrome and overcoming the false feeling of incapability. Additionally, the community explored the ideas of privilege and racial injustice, the importance of diversity in the workplace, and socioeconomic inequality. Free food and artwork from the Delta Days Art Contest was present for many of the events.

A concert featuring Mines staff Jahi Simbai from the Graduate Studies Office and Cornell Bass from the Office of Admissions took place Monday, while NSBE and SHPE hosted a Hip Hop and Salsa Night Friday. Awolaja continued, “My favorite events were the Concert and Hip Hop Salsa. Everyone knows this school is filled with brilliant people but I guess I never realized how much artistic talent this school holds. Hearing Jahi and Cornell perform original music was really cool but watching everyone salsa and freestyle was funny and amazing.”

For those who attended, Delta Days was both a fun and eye-opening time learning about ourselves and celebrating who we are.