George Tan
Blue&White Flash/Staff Writer
Chinese students at Jackson State University recognized diverse cultures during its “Peace Through Understanding” International Week: Chinese Cultural Night celebration on April 9, 2013 in the Reddix Building.
The objective of this event was to introduce Chinese culture to the JSU community, foster a closer bonding between international and American students, and to cultivate mutual understanding among students of diverse backgrounds.
Delicious Chinese food such as chicken with broccoli, fried dumplings, rice, and fortune cookies were served at the beginning of the event. Many performances were included in the event to give the audience a taste of Chinese cultures.
Anissa Hidouk, a sophomore mass communications major from Algeria, said that this was her first time attending such event.
“I am amazed by the beauty of the cultures! And I love the Chinese costumes too,” said Hidouk.
The program included a Chinese Tea Ceremony, Traditional Chinese folk music, Chinese calligraphy and Chinese cultural dances, performed by both Chinese and American students. A fusion component was added with DJ Reece mixing Chinese and hip-hop music.
Students from Tougaloo College and Mississippi College also attended the celebration.
“I am so happy to be able to be a part of the effort to promote Chinese culture,” said Yetong Liu, a junior English education major from China. She was the narrator introducing the Chinese Tea Ceremony.
Chris Windfield, a junior chemistry pre-med major who sang a Chinese song along with other Chinese students, said he appreciated the cultural opportunities that JSU has to offer. Windfield studied abroad in China during the Summer of 2011 and now speaks fluent Chinese.
“This is a new experience to me but I enjoyed it very much. I was impressed with the culture and might make plans to travel to Asia in the future,” said Shaquana Davis, a senior biology major from Detroit, Mich.
Davis said this event actually did a good job promoting diversity and mutual understanding at Jackson State.
T’Erica Hudson, a junior criminal justice major from Chicago, Ill., said that she learned about other cultures as well as her own.
“Learning about the different cultures enhanced my culture and global leadership,” said Hudson.
Patricia Jernigan, Assistant Dean of JSU International Studies, stated that she was pleased with the participation of the students for International Week and believes cultural night serves a bridge between American and Chinese Students.
