Author: jeff

The University Park Undergraduate Association voted by majority to support the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Penn State’s calendar and a land acknowledgement statement being put in the university syllabi.

Penn State’s campuses are located on the original homelands of the Erie, Haudenosaunee (Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk and Tuscarora), Lenape (Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe, Stockbridge-Munsee), Monongahela, Shawnee (Absentee, Eastern and Oklahoma), Susquehannock and Wahzhazhe (Osage) Nations.

“Omitting Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a recognized holiday on the Pennsylvania State University Holiday Calendar means that these students are being omitted from the Penn State Community, as well,” according to the resolution.

The UPUA resolution asked the university registrar to recognize Oct. 9, 2023 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

The resolution also asked the Faculty Senate to include the land acknowledgement in the university’s syllabi and excuse students from missed classes due to cultural and religious days and events, including Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Three members of the executive board of the Indigenous Peoples’ Student Association brought this issue to the attention of the UPUA and spoke at Wednesday’s meeting.

“This is just the beginning, we have so much more to fix and add on to this,” Kayla Cwalina, a member of the Lakota nation, said.

Cwalina, a third-year studying criminology and education in rehabilitation and human services, said the resolution is “a step in the right direction” to get “some sort of semblance of our nations, heritage, and culture back.”

Adriana Peterson, a member of the Navajo and Menominee nations, said the university should do what it can.

“All you can do is reconcile and, going forward, figure out how you are going to fix this problem that you have created,” Peterson, a second-year studying media studies, said.

Timothy Benally, a member of the Navajo nation, said Indigenous People are still here and highlighted the importance of the land acknowledgement statement.

“It shouldn’t…

Continue reading

Photo byCanva

Delaware, the First State in the Union, may be small in size, but it has been home to a notable array of individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to seven famous Delawareans who have left an indelible mark in areas ranging from politics and sports to entertainment and literature.

Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has strong ties to Delaware, where he served as a U.S. Senator for 36 years. His presidency marks a historic moment in American politics.

Elena Delle Donne, a professional basketball player, was born in Wilmington. Her accolades include WNBA MVP awards, Olympic gold medals, and a reputation as one of the league’s top players.

Aubrey Plaza, the versatile actress and comedian, hails from Wilmington. Her deadpan humor and acting talents have made her a standout in both film and television, with roles in “Parks and Recreation” and “Ingrid Goes West.”

Howard Pyle, an influential illustrator and author, lived in Wilmington and founded the Brandywine School of art. His work had a significant impact on American illustration and storytelling.

Valerie Bertinelli, a well-known actress and television personality, was born in Wilmington. Her career includes roles in popular TV shows like “One Day at a Time” and “Hot in Cleveland.”

George Thorogood, the renowned blues-rock musician, was born in Wilmington. He and his band, The Destroyers, are known for hits like “Bad to the Bone” and have a dedicated fan base.

The Delaware Tribe of Indians, an indigenous people with a rich history in Delaware, has made significant contributions to preserving their heritage and culture. They continue to have a presence in the state and the broader Native American community.

These seven famous Delawareans represent the state’s diverse contributions to politics, sports, entertainment, and the arts….

Continue reading