The Office of Global Programs hosted its annual Multicultural Festival on Tuesday, April 6th, at the Campus Plaza from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The Festival is held once every year to celebrate the different nationalities present at Alcorn State University (ASU).
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the organizers decided to have the event on a reduced scale to avoid large gatherings. This year’s main activity was an outdoor block party featuring international food served by the University’s cafeteria.
To begin the event, the Director of Global Programs, Dr. Dovi Alipoe, gave a short speech giving a brief history and purpose of the Multicultural Festival.
“The first Festival took place in 2005 and the objective was to showcase the multicultural diversities at Alcorn. There are so many groups on campus making it necessary for them to be represented and seen,” Dr. Alipoe stated.
The event had different food stations serving a variety of dishes from several countries. They included Beef Empañadas from South America, Banh Mi from Vietnam, Beef Bobotie from South Africa, and Curried Chicken/Rice and Peas from Jamaica. There was also a live band that entertained people as they ate.
Favour Afolabi, an international student from Nigeria, stated, “There is food, decorations, and interactions among students, which is creating awareness of the cultures and traditions of international students. I want people to see our cultures as beautiful and this event has incorporated several details from that which will make people understand and know why we love our nationalities.”
For more information about the Multicultural Festival contact the Office of Global Programs at globalprograms@alcorn.edu by email or (601) 877-6533 by phone.