By Madeline Clark
The smell of samosas mingled with those of empanadas and quiches while the beating of African drums echoed around the gymnasium. Around 500 students, faculty, and community members from approximately 30 different countries mingled during the 14th annual St. Michael’s College International Festival. During a time of heightened racial tensions in the United States, it held a greater significance than in years past, according to the assistant director of the office of multicultural affairs and services, Kimoi Seale.
“Things happened last year that weren’t truly representative of the community we have here,” said Seale, referencing several bias incidents on campus last fall. The Diversity Coalition put on a “brave face” and put in hard work to put on the event and “help heal our community,” he said.
The festival showcased food, and performances from musicians and dancers, inspired by the Pacific Islands, Africa, Latin America, Europe, South Asia, and East Asia. It was planned and organized by the six leaders of the Diversity Coalition, who themselves represent Japan, the Congo, Ghana, and the Dominican Republic. “I can’t stress enough how much the students do, how much work they put in,”Seale said.
“It’s the biggest multicultural event on campus,” said Bernard Achinda ’18, one of the students responsible for planning the event.
“It’s one of the few events on campus where you have people from a lot of different cultures coming together enjoying each other’s cultures,” said director of multicultural student services, Moise St. Louise.
Minoska Castillo ’20, said that music and dance bring people together, and help them understand each other better than lectures and speakers. “Everybody’s mind opens up to music and food…it’s easier than a talk,” said Castillo, “You wouldn’t think certain people would come to this.” Castillo said she was pleased, after months of preparation, to look around the room at the attendees’ smiling faces. “It’s such a small school but we celebrate culture,” she said.
Seale remarked that one particular instance of different cultures coming together occurred when some of the college’s Japanese students got up and danced with the Celtic Knights. He said it was a “testament to the power” of the event.
Melanie Castillo ’18, was also in attendance. She said she had participated in the festival each of her four years at the college, running it for three of those years. “It was my first point of connection to this institution,” she said. She said that it helps create a more inclusive environment on campus.
“We have so much negative…in the media, and in our country” Seale said. It’s nice to have events like this on campus.”
