| EMU Block Fair History |
| Karinda L. Washington, an EMU Alumni of Detroit, MI, envisioned the EMU Block Fair during the Summer of 1999. A Junior at the time, she asked Mr. Brian Fitzgerald, Associate Director of the EMU Housing Department if he believed the University would sponsor such an event. According to Washington, Fitzgerald was very frank in his response. He believed he could assist her, but prepared her for the opposition that was bound to manifest. Washington took the information to God in prayer, and believed that the vision would come to past. There were 2 people that needed to approve the event. Washington e-mailed Cpt Cindy Hall, and after a discussion with Fitzgerald, she approved the street being closed for the event. Once approved by Hall, the event was approved by the Division of Student Affairs. After receiving the official go ahead by Fitzgerald, Washington recalled what her peers and staff members told her when she shared her vision on the Block Fair with them. "...the University would never let you do such an event...especially not a black student." The EMU Block Fair was approved during the Summer of 1999 by Eastern Michigan University, because they believed as Washington, that it was time to diversify the events on campus. Most of the major events were highly attended by certain groups of students, but seldom integrated. Diversity, according to Washington, is one of our most beautiful words. Implementing diversity, helps us continue to educate one another on who we are, where we're from, and how we can move forward together. Fitzgerald, along with Cpt Cindy Hall and Officer Mathias Buckson, of the EMU Department of Public Safety assisted Washington in making the EMU Block Fair one of the most memorable and anticipated events at Eastern Michigan University. |
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| The Vision ...an event that promotes diversity by bringing together campus organizations, local businesses, and local churches and gives them the opportunity to meet and greet the students, faculty and staff of EMU. In addition, allows the students to meet the faculty and staff of the University in a social setting... |
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