Award-Winning Producer Lewis Speaks on Bi-Racial America

SALISBURY, MD---The 2000 U.S. Census marked the first time in history respondents had the option to select more than one racial category. Some 6.8 million did so. One of those 6.8 million, award-winning documentary producer Michael Lewis, inaugurates Salisbury University’s 2004 Multicultural Festival Week 7 p.m. Monday, April 26, in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center. He presents “Chicken Gumbo for the Multicultural Soul: Hot, Spicy and Heartwarming Stories on Interracial Families and the Mixed Race Experience.” Blending humor with straightforward commentary, Lewis seeks to educate audiences on the common experiences many multiracial people share. “Some people find us exotic,” he said. “Some people think we’re confused, and some people believe we’re trying to escape being black by identifying as biracial. I hope to raise awareness about the deeper racial and cultural issues we have to deal with and provide support to multiracial students.” Lewis highlights his lecture with excerpts from his documentary on interracial families. Multicultural Festival events continue at SU 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, in the Wicomico Room when Continuing Cultures, Inc., executive director Lobna Ismail discusses “Understanding Islam and Muslims in the U.S.” An Asian and Pacific Islander adoption issues panel is held 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, in the Wicomico Room, allowing Asian and Pacific Islander students adopted by non-Asian families and raised in the United States to share their experiences. Thursday, April 29, is Multicultural Festival Day, featuring samples of multicultural food and entertainment from noon-3 p.m. at the Devilbiss Hall mall area and Pergola. The SU Dance Company hosts a children’s matinee featuring flamenco and African dances at 1 p.m. in Holloway Hall Auditorium, open to children, parents and teachers. Advance reservations are required for the matinee and may be made by calling 410-548-4183. Multicultural Week events conclude with a Ritmo Latino (Latin rhythm) dance from 7-11 p.m. Friday, April 30, in the Gull’s Nest of the Guerrieri Center. Admission to all activities is free and the public is cordially invited. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.