Alexa Shockley, News Writer EMORY, Va. — Emory & Henry hosted its first International & Multicultural Night on Thursday, March 12 in the McGlothlin Center for the Arts. Several tables representing different countries and cultures were set up in the MCA lobby at 6:30 p.m. for the cultural fair. The E&H website describes this event as a “festive country fair to provide information about a variety of countries and cultures. The fair was followed by a Lyceum event in the Blackbox theater at 7:30 p.m. Emory & Henry professor Xiangyun Zhang—who has her doctorate in French language and literature—international student Binti Mutomb, and Chad Owens from Marion High School shared their multicultural experiences and spoke about cultural awareness and diversity. The Lyceum was followed by a traditional South African Zulu performance by Abingdon High School student Nicholas Mhlope and his mother Blessings Mhlope. International & Multicultural night, created by E&H alumni and global ambassador, Mackenzie Bellimam, is sponsored by the E&H Department of International Education. Prior to the event, International student and global ambassador Binti Mutomb said that students can expect to be “learning more about other peoples’ countries and cultures. There are several tables that are going to be set up. I think there’s going to be Sweden, South Africa, Austria [and] Poland. I really recommend it, especially if that’s what you’re interested in.” Sharing her nervous excitement for speaking at the Lyceum following the fair, Mutomb said, “This could be an experience to learn more about the world outside of Emory and outside of Virginia. For those who are planning and thinking about going to study abroad, which I highly recommend, this could possibly be a really good opportunity to come and see what countries you could go to.” Celeste Gaia, who has her doctorate in experimental psychology and is Director of International Education, said students could expect “a festive feel” while attending the event. Rosewater, a student band on campus, played some Brazilian music while singing in Portuguese. The tables that were set up all required some kind of display and some sort of souvenir or food from its respective culture or country. Tables provided information about the country, including who the president is, what type of education the country has and what type of food the country has. Gaia said, “It’s important for students to have an understanding of global awareness and to understand that we have a responsibility to people outside of our own country. It also makes you more attractive in the job market and to graduate schools.” Gaia also said that “We live in a really divisive time and that having intercultural understanding … leads to a better understanding of human rights and of peace between countries and peace between peoples.” Gaia hopes that International and Multicultural Night will become an annual event. Students from surrounding area high schools will also have tables set up at the event representing different cultures from around the world. “This is our first year and the participation has been great,” said Gaia.
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March 2020
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