The Office of Global Programs hosted its 11th annual Multicultural Day on Tuesday, April 11 in the James L. Bolden Campus Union Ballroom on the Lorman campus from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. The festivities kicked off at 12:45 pm. with an International Flag Parade in front of the Office of Global Programs/Multicultural and International Affairs Building and ended at the Campus Union. The parade was led by members of the eminent Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band.
“Multicultural Day is an annual event that allows the University community to come together to celebrate diversity and the many countries and cultures represented on campus,” said Dr. Dovi Alipoe, Director, Office of Global Programs. The theme of this year’s Festival is Diversity = Beauty and Strength. The event highlighted 26 countries represented by Alcorn students, in addition to the United States. The purpose of the annual event is to showcase the diversity that Alcorn boasts. The school embraces multiculturalism and diversity by welcoming students, faculty and staff from all over the world.
“This event is an opportunity to showcase experiential learning for our students,” said Martha Ravola, Assistant Vice President, Academic Program Support and Graduate Studies.
Each year since 2005, the Festival has brought the University and community together for both a fun and educational day.
Felicia Harried, User Interface Architect in the Center for Information Technology and Services, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, introduced the Festival’s key performance participants, the Kotchegna Dance Company, a multiethnic West African dance company.
Based out of Harlem, New York, the group is the initial provider of dance and drum traditions of the Ivory Coast. Performing in elaborate masks to the explosive percussion beats of distinguished drummers, the Kotchegna Dance Company brings to life the ancient stories and legends of Africa’s Ivory Coast.
Musical performances, along with the ever popular and flamboyant cultural fashion show, which represented some of the nations from around the world, were also featured on the program. Alcorn students, faculty and staff ripped the runway wearing traditional clothing of their respective countries such as Russia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Japan, China and the Philippines, among others.
“It felt great to be a part of this event. I enjoyed the festival thoroughly, particularly the African tribal dance and music,” said Rohitha Srinivasula, a graduate student from India majoring in Computer Science.
Immediately following the performances, event goers partook in cultural food delights, international music videos, posters, colorful displays and artifacts from many countries around the globe, highlighting the diversity at Alcorn State University.