Students took part in a culturally diverse experience at Culture on the Quad this Thursday.
Student Senate hosted the event in combination with the Association of Latin American Students (A.L.A.S.), the Asian American Association, Black Student Alliance, Haute, Students United for change and Men of Color. This was the first of what is hoped to be an annual event.
Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event featured varying types of cultural food and demonstrations. There were four food stations with special menus from different cultures.
Students were given colorful paper tokens to get stamped at each of the stations to enter a raffle at the end. Many said they showed up for the free food and to experience different cultures in the process.
“I had no idea what the Asian or Indian food was like, so it was a cool experience,” sophomore English major Marcus Dyson said.
The event started out with salsa lessons and a steel drum band called Pots and Pans. Students could also get henna tattoos and listen to spoken word poet Kyla Lacey and African storytelling author Gary Moore. Kung Fu demonstrations wrapped up the event.
“I think it gets people more aware of different cultural activities like A.L.A.S. and the Asian American Association,” sophomore Alyssah Sison said.
Student Senate’s Vice President of Diversity Affairs Jay Mehta said the idea for Culture on the Quad originated at the end of last school year. He worked on making the event a reality alongside May graduate and former Vice President of Campus Affairs Emily Corona.
“[I think it is] a good way for all students to be aware how much diversity is actually on campus,” Corona said.
Mehta said he wanted students to experience new things and for everyone to feel included on campus.
“[Culture on the Quad] is a nice way to bring out what the school really embodies and what we want to show as our culture,” Mehta said.
