Student Initiatives

Alpha Week

A week long of community service activities in honor of the local founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans. Usually held late March or early April.

Annual Hillel Bagel Brunch

Open event generally held in August during New Student Orientation.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

The Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May) is a nationally recognized time for people to consider and celebrate the contributions of Americans of Asian descent. Due the academic calendar, Duke celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in April.

ASA Fall Political Series: Voices

Voices, the fall political series sponsored by the Asian Student Association (ASA), is designed to educate and enlighten the Duke community on various issues relevant to the Asian and Asian American community at the university and in society. The series brings a wide range of speakers, politicians, poets, performers, and writers to campus. The series is spread throughout November.

Awaaz

Awaaz (meaning "voice") is the annual cultural show presented by Diya, Duke's South Asian students.  Awaaz is the largest student-run event on campus, with over two hundred performers and over two thousand attendees. The two-night extravaganza sells out the 1200-seat Page Auditorium every year.

Black and Gold Ball

An annual event organized by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, to raise charity donations for the West End Community Center. Held in December.

Black History Month

A month dedicated to increasing awareness of African American achievements.  February is traditionally observed as Black History Month, selected in part because it includes the birth date of Frederick Douglass, the noted writer, orator, activist, and champion of African American rights.

Hispanic Awareness Week

An event which promotes awareness of Hispanic culture and is celebrated in late March.

Kwanzaa

The Black Student Alliance (BSA) generally hosts this event in December. Kwanzaa is a spiritual, festive, and joyous celebration of the oneness and goodness of life, which claims no ties to any religion. Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and lasts 7 days.

Latino Heritage Month

Political forums, guest speakers, dances, and other events to celebrate and increase awareness of Latino heritage.

Lunar New Year

Each year during the Spring semester, the Asian Student Association (ASA), with the help of many volunteers, presents the Festival to celebrate the coming of the New Year according to the traditional lunar calendar.

Mezcla

Celebrate Latino/a culture with a night of music, dance, capoeira, salsa, and more. Sponsored by Mi Gente: the Latino/a students association at Duke.

Native American Heritage Month

The month of November is nationally designated as Native American Heritage Month. Its observance serves to celebrate the Native American culture, educate the public, and acknowledge contributions of Native Americans to society.

Noche Dorada

Lambda Upsilon Lambda's (La Unidad Latina) annual dinner and dance celebrating diversity and unity.

Pink Ice

An annual charity ball sponsored by the Iota Mu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. All proceeds are donated to Africare, which is dedicated to supporting struggling villages on the entire continent of Africa by providing them with medical care, food, shelter, clothing, etc.

Prism

A multicultural residence hall that provides multicultural programming and education for the residents and the Duke community at large. Also provides a stimulating environment and living experience for students who are interested in learning about other cultures.

Springternational

Organized by the International Association, a celebration of diverse cultures at Duke with foods, crafts, dances, and other entertainment from different regions of the world. Held in March.