Taya Drummer-Chaney
Staff Writer
Jackson State University showcased the diversity of its students through dance on Sept. 6 in the Walter Payton Recreation Center. Hosted by JSU Global, Café’ Culturale is a monthly series that will be held to bridge the gap between international and domestic students.
A select group of international students were given the opportunity to present dances, traditions, and information on the geographical makeup of their countries to their JSU peers. Students who attended the event were introduced to various dance styles while socializing with peers they may not usually have the opportunity to interact with.
Shameka Reed, International Marketing and Recruitment Specialist for JSU Global and one of the hosts of the program, believes that events such as these are meant to bridge the gaps between international and domestic students.
“We want to make sure our international students and domestic students are interacting, and that they understand that we are one JSU, and that we can all learn from each other,” said Reed.
Reed also stated that peer-to-peer education is a better way to learn about different countries.
“Students learn more from someone on their level. You will get to travel to another country via dance,” said Reed.
Biruk Abate, a freshman electrical engineering major from Ethiopia, served as one of the student hosts.
“I’ve seen how we can come from different cultures and still push for unity. I can see how diversity could be used for a greater good, and it helps me to easily communicate with other students on campus. Events such as these allow you to be sociable, humble and friendly to others,” said Abate.
Tieara Foote, a freshman sociology major from Braxton, Miss., enjoyed the many dances that were showcased.
“I loved it. I have not been to the gym yet and it was a good workout,” said Foote. “The thing I learned the most is how everybody did their culture, what they loved the most about where they come from and their dances, which was really good,” said Foote.
Student instructors such as Ingrid Tdhakou, a sophomore engineering major from Cameroon, Africa, was nervous, but still had a good time presenting her culture to her peers.
“I enjoyed it. It was really great. I was like never at first, but an Egyptian guy told me to just dance and he instilled confidence in me. If I have the opportunity and the time to do this event again, I will because I love sharing my culture with other students. I think it brought the students together because the students learned the dance aspect of Africa. They got a chance to imagine the African world,” said Tdhakou.
Jackson State faculty and staff also participated in the workshop, such as Priscilla Slade, special assistant to the provost for JSU Global and Community Colleges in the Department of Academic Affairs.
“Absolutely! I got my work out on while dancing for fun. The whole idea is to make us one community of learners, and that is exactly what this event was all about. We brought together students from all around the world, and joined each other in the art of dance,” said Slade.
To continue the international series, JSU Global will be hosting an event in the Starbucks located in the H.T. Sampson Library on Oct. 13.
Earlier that same day in the Student Center Ballroom A, JSU Global also hosted an informational on the Study Abroad Program at JSU. According to the Study Abroad brochure, Jackson State offers excellent opportunities for students to learn beyond the boundaries of the United States. Study Abroad combines coursework and a variety of cultural activities. Students who may have missed either of these events can get more information at 10.14.12.245/global/ or call 601-979-1611 .
All photos by Muhammad Hassan.
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