New SGA diversity campaign aims to unite Niner Nation

UNC Charlotte’s Student Government Association (SGA) has introduced a new initiative designed to create unity and promote diversity on campus. The campaign, Niner Nation: Different Together, is a two-part, student-led initiative that seeks to showcase and celebrate the differences of students, faculty, staff, administration and alumni.

Officially launched in February, the initiative will sponsor an art exhibit and panel discussion to highlight the inaugural year on Tuesday, May 3, in the Student Union Movie Theater. The event will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m.; the discussion will start at 7 p.m.

Niner Nation: Different Together was developed to unite students of all backgrounds and create quality conversations within the student population and between students and administration.

“I wanted to create an opportunity for everyone to have a conversation and to ensure their voice was heard,” said Jasmin Rivers, SGA secretary for diversity affairs. “It’s important for the campus community to talk about what they would like to see changed or anything they feel has not been heard.”

The idea for the campaign came about after several issues on campus involving diversity and inclusion.

“There have been many talks about being more inclusive and celebrating the different cultures, but I felt there was more that could be done,” added Rivers.

Anyone can join the conversation and “share who you are” by appearing in posters around campus; videotaped group discussions; or submitted videos, pictures, art or poems. All pictures and videos will be posted to the SGA Twitter and Instagram accounts and to the Niner Nation: Different Together Facebook page.

For more information, visit www.sga.charlotte.edu or email differenttogether@uncc.edu.