Culture Fest was a successful experience for the Concordia community last Wed., April 17. Theevent is coordinated by Diversity Awareness and only successful through the volunteering of students and culture clubs. This year six groups were represented: Jamaica, Black Student Union, Latino/Hispanic Culture, China, Kyrgyzstan and the U.S.A.

Melinda Ibanez, junior and Diversity Coordinator, explained the significance of the Diversity Awareness committee on campus saying, “We do events on Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, Women’s Month etc. Our Goal is to create a safe environment where we can feel free to express and educate others on our cultures, not just ethnicity, but everyone.”

Amyah Holiday, sophomore and Diversity Coordinator, said, “Culture Fest is an event Diversity Awareness hosts every year outside the cafeteria, where tables are set up showing different cultures.” Holiday said the event gives the opportunity for “people to express who they are through their background and culture while also allowing others to learn about it.”

During the two and half hour event students and staff mingled, sampling food and candy while engaging in educational conversations. This event was more than just socializing, it was building connections and celebrating the diversity of humanity that makes Concordia a vibrant and inclusive campus.

Grace Cuckow, senior, said “If you walked up to my table at Culture Fest, you would be greeted with ‘Welcome to China!’ My friend Brian Ho (Hong Kong) and Nathan Stuewe (Korean) prepared an assortment of foods, snacks and drinks that were reminiscent of our childhoods.”

The table hosted homemade curry fish balls, a traditional Hong Kong delicacy, tea, milk ‘juice’ boxes and a Northern Chinese dessert consisting of crystallized candied fruits on a stick. They also offered melon and milk candies, lychee jello cups, rice crackers, Pocky sticks and Chinese versions of American fruit roll ups. Additionally, Cuckow provided short lessons on writing Chinese characters with a paintbrush onto a traditional Chinese writing scroll.

Cuckow said “My experience at Culture Fest is always a wonderful time. Working with my fellow Asian friends to represent our culture and getting to interact with curious peers to teach them about my home culture means a lot to me. I represent China, just one of the many Asian countries of the world, and I want others like me to see themselves being represented on campus.”

Axel Aguilar, senior and president of Nuestra Voz and Step One, said “Having the opportunity to work this table and showcase the amazing, beautiful rich Hispanic countries is something I have always loved to do, especially in a space like our university.” He highlighted the importance of showcasing lesser-known cultures within the university community saying, “We are aiming to show off the different cultures of Concordia that we don’t have the opportunity to see during the school year.” Aguilar added, “Through food, history and language we represent the rich diversity of our student body.”

Ibanzes said, “Diversity is more than just the color of our skin; it’s where we come from, our backgrounds, traditions and more.” If you are interested in connecting with a culture club check the CUI website for a full list and contacts. If you have questions or want to start your own culture club, contact ascui.clubcommissioner@cui.edu. To get in contact with Diversity Awareness, contact Monique Nunes at monique.nunes@cui.edu.

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