Spring 2013 True Colors - Kent State University

SPOTLIGHT ON
DIVERSITY
N.A.S.A. POWWOW
Heavy drumming resonated through the Kent Student
Center on Sunday, November 4, 2012, signalling the Kent
State University Native American Student Association’s first
fall intertribal gathering in more than 10 years.
The powwow, held in the Ballroom, featured several singers,
dancers and drummers. Each song was bolstered by one
reverberating drum, which a group of about eight men
played as they sang.
Men and women of all ages danced in a circle around the
drummers. Many of the dancers dressed in traditional tribal
regalia consisting of feathers, furs and fringe. Some dancers
wore bells, while others sported Mohawk headdresses.
Victoria Humphreys, junior communication studies major
and NASA president, said powwows differ depending on the
culture with which they are affiliated. Although Sunday’s
Southern-style powwow seemed small and relaxed, there are
strict rules that must be followed.
“If you’re not wearing regalia, modest dress is important,”
Humphreys said. “You also need to respect the elders. You
aren’t allowed to interrupt them when they’re speaking.”
Patricia Fisher, who follows Lakota Sioux tradition, has been
participating in powwows for decades. Through the years,
she has danced, drummed and sang at different events.
“When it’s in your blood, you go and you have fun,” Fisher
said. “The drum beat is like a heartbeat, the drums get you
fired up — the music goes clear up to God!”
Vendors sold Native American jewelry, dream catchers,
blankets and T-shirts at tables around the Ballroom’s
perimeter.
C.J. Lyons, junior pre-nursing major and NASA vice
president, said he has been participating in powwows
since he was about five years old. Lyons, who drums and
sings, said the songs performed at powwows range from
traditional to contemporary.
Ken Jaworski, a member of the Spokane tribe, used to run
concert-style sound systems for NASA’s yearly powwows in
the late 90s, before the group disappeared on campus for
about 10 years.
“It’s time to get NASA back on track and back on this
campus where it belongs,” Jaworski said.
Logan Steele, a traditional dancer and singer of Cherokee
descent, also used to attend NASA’s powwows each year to show
support for the group. Steele hopes that this powwow will be the
beginning of NASA’s resurgence on the Kent State campus.
Lyons said the group is planning another powwow for the
spring, which he hopes will be even more successful.
“We planned this event in two months … the next powwow
we’ll have more time to plan,” Lyons said. “The powwow we’re
planning for the spring will be twice as big. It will be outside,
so we’re planning for more vendors, food and of course,
dancers and drums.”
To learn more about N.A.S.A. please visit: https://www.
facebook.com/KSU.NASA.
DIVERSITY SCORECARD
The implementation of the diversity scorecard at Kent State
was initiated in 2010 and serves as a central piece to the efforts
of the Division of DEI. The diversity scorecard approach
represents a strategic method for achieving inclusive excellence.
The Kent State diversity scorecard focuses on educational
access, first- and second-year retention and degree completion
for AALANA students as well as access and retention for
AALANA faculty and staff. Indicators regarding faculty tenure
and promotion will be added and tracked by the scorecard
starting in the 2012-2013 academic year.
October 20, 2012 – Native American Student Association
(NASA) prepare for KSU Homecoming Parade
6 Spring 2013