Celebrate cultural diversity on campus

The International and Ethnic Associations Council (I/EAC) is hosting Concordia’s first Cultural Diversity Week from January 23 to 28. Throughout the week, students are invited to a series of events aimed at promoting multiculturalism and celebrating diversity on campus.

“The I/EAC has, over the years, held a cultural expressions show,” says I/EAC Chair Marvin Coleby. “We decided to expand on that event, so we developed an entire week of programming dedicated to culture. It makes a lot of sense in a university as culturally diverse as Concordia.”

Concordia students attend the Multicultural Fair organized by the I/EAC. | Photo by Seyong Matthew

More than 150 Concordia students visited a multicultural fair Monday, which launched the week’s activities. Twenty cultural on-campus clubs provided an afternoon of food, music and cultural interaction.

Tuesday night, a cultural night at the Hive on the Loyola Campus attracted many students. Organized regularly by the Concordia Student Union (CSU) and the Arts and Science Federation of Associations (ASFA), the event brings students together for an evening of music and dancing focused on a different country or cultural group each time. This month, as part of Cultural Diversity week, the event highlighted a variety of cultures.

“This cultural night was organized in conjunction with the I/EAC, so we chose four of our clubs to be represented: Indian, Iranian, Caribbean and Chinese,” says Coleby. “As always, the evening was a real success.”

The next event is the cultural expressions show Friday, January 27. Hosted by beatboxer Ex-Wam, the evening will showcase dance and music from around the globe.

“We wanted to represent each club as best as we could so we asked each association to pick an act that they think best represents their culture,” says Coleby.

From Caribbean steel pan drums to Chinese vocal talent, the audience is promised an unforgettable night of entertainment from the four corners of the earth.

What: Cultural Expressions Show: 30th anniversary
When: Friday, January 27 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: D.B. Clarke Theatre, Henry F. Hall Building (1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W.), Sir George Williams Campus
Cost: $7. Tickets are available at the I/EAC office now until one hour before the event.

All proceeds will go to a charitable organization. For more information, call 514-848-2424, ext. 3531, or drop by the I/EAC office in the Q Building (2010 Mackay St.).

Journalism student Sarah Volstad is an intern with Concordia’s University Communications Services.

Related link:
•    Cultural Diversity Week