Multiple cultures convene during Alcorn's Multicultural Festival
The Office of Global Programs hosted the 2018 Multicultural Festival Wednesday, April 11 in the James L. Bolden Campus Union Ballroom. The purpose of the Multicultural Festival is to celebrate the richness of diversity at Alcorn State University. For students who are temporary residents of this campus as well as faculty and staff, it is an opportunity to learn about all those countries and cultures that are represented.
Over 200 students, faculty, staff, and visitors people were in attendance. Dr. Dovi Alipoe, director of Global Programs, explained why the Multicultural Festival is essential.
"We think it is an excellent annual venue to raise our collective consciousness about global diversity and to promote study abroad and international engagement," said Alipoe.
The Festival included a performance from Taikoza featuring the country of Japan, which is the first Japanese representative to be featured at the event. Also, there were new student group dances that included Nigerian students, South African students (Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana), and Caribbean students (Jamaica and Saint Lucia). Furthermore, students led hands-on activities involving Henna (India/Pakistan hand painting), African face painting, and traditional Chinese writing. Aerial Robinson, a sophomore Mass Communications major, gave insight on why the Multicultural Festival was impressive.
"I had a great time learning all of the different cultures on campus. I got to see so many different dances and hear music I've never heard on United States radio. I loved hearing the Taikoza drums because they reminded me the music I've heard in movies. Overall, it was very festive and fun," said Robinson.
To learn more about international programs and different cultures, visit the Office of Global Programs on Alcorn's main campus.
