Aaron Berkowitz – General Assignment Reporter
It’s important for students and people outside of school to step outside of their comfort zones every once and a while and experience something new, said Dian Albert-Brown, who is the coordinator for Multicultural student events on campus.
Jamaican, Hatian, Dominican, African, and SCSU students from all different ethnic backgrounds gathered to enjoy the annual Rep Your Flag party that took place in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom.
Even before the event began, Tafari “DJ Fire” Turner, who was the DJ for the party, said he had high expectations because of last year’s turnout and all of the different cultures that come together for the night.
“I expect greatness and a lot fun for everyone,” said Turner. “I just feed off the vibes [the crowd gives off] and enjoy myself.”
Shaden Barrett, senior liberal studies major at SCSU, is the new president of the West Indian Society (WIS) on campus and helped bring this event together. Barrett said she was especially excited for this event because it helps students to see all the different dances from different cultures come together in one event.
“This event isn’t just about one culture,” said Barrett. “It’s about everyone coming together to enjoy themselves, having a good time, and learning from each other.”
The Multicultural Center and the WIS teamed up to put together this event for students to have adventures in college and also offer insight as to what each culture brings to the party scene. According to Albert-Brown, this event was a collaboration of Organization of Latin American Students, NAACP, WIS, and the Black Student Union to experience each other’s unique cultures.
Latish Whyte, senior liberal studies major at SCSU, said her favorite part of holding events like this is educating others on cultures they may not be familiar with. Whyte also said she enjoys showing the similar interests that students of various cultures share with one another in the campus community.
“If a student who doesn’t know much about the Caribbean this is a wonderful opportunity to learn and have fun.” said Albert-Brown.
She also said if a student likes to learn new dance moves and interact with people from other cultures then they should attend the Multicultural events because it is a different way of “breaking down barriers” with students on campus.
“Most times we are in discussion and are talking about different diversity issues but this event gives you an opportunity to let your hair down,” said Albert-Brown. “Let the music and the good vibes take you.”
Events like these on campus are valuable to students because they can begin to build relationships with one another, meet new types of people, and develop new ways to connect with others on campus.
Danisha McNaught, senior public health major at SCSU, said branching out and being open minded is what the WIS is all about. McNaught also said she hopes events such as this one will inspire students to do the same.
“After being exposed to all of the different cultures and backgrounds, sometimes you don’t even realize that people aren’t of the same background as you because of the similarities,” said Whyte.
Barrett said the WIS encourages students to attend their weekly meetings on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in room 311 inside the Student Center.
“We all come from different backgrounds, but we are a tight knit group,” said Barrett. “We want students to know everyone is welcomed.”
