Multicultural Week has finally arrived. The halls burst with color, music fills the lunchroom, and prayers in many languages echo through the space. Since its founding in 2022, this week has been a tradition carried forward by affinity group leaders, a celebration of identity, culture, and community. But this year, something has shifted.
Since its recent establishment, Multicultural Week has typically spanned just three days: Culture Fair, Multicultural Night, and the Multicultural Assembly. When it was first created, it marked a meaningful step for affinity group leaders in a predominantly white institution, carving out space to celebrate identity, visibility, and community.
Now, that foundation continues to be carried forward. In its fifth iteration, affinity group leaders are building on it even further, reimagining the format and deepening the impact of Multicultural Week in alignment with their mission.
This year, the affinity group leaders outlined a new and clear goal for Multicultural Week. They aim to prioritize cultural education as a way to move beyond the risk of tokenism, ensuring cultures are not only seen, but genuinely understood and respected. The focus is on deeper learning, meaningful engagement, and authentic understanding.
This year, along with the original foundation of the Multicultural Week, there are new additions:
- Culturefest Workshops
- Spirit Week
- North Barkada lunch performance
- Matcha giveaway
- Campus Decorations
- Affinity group spotlight announcements
- Cultural reflection examens
- “Hail Mary” in many languages during examen
On Monday, Multicultural Week opened with a musical performance from North Barkada, a Filipino American student band, during lunch. Their setlist featured songs in Tagalog and English, and band members explained the background behind Filipino language and history.
Tuesday marked the most significant shift of the week, as the event transitioned from the traditional Culture Fair to the reimagined Culturefest. Through interactive workshops, students engaged with various cultural traditions, including the Payaso de Rodeo line dance from LSA, henna from MESA, African hair braiding from BSU, and more.
Tuula Welker, a Junior, said, “I love the changes that have been made to Multicultural Week so far, as it has felt a lot more thought through, and planned to truly share the experience of different cultures, rather than just talk about them. Because of the more interactive activities that we’ve participated in so far, I have learned so much about mine and other cultures.”
After tonight’s Multicultural Night, students look forward to the Multicultural Assembly on Thursday and the Matcha giveaway on Friday.
Throughout the many different activities this week, one thing is made clear: true connection should not stop at what is fun or entertaining. Respect means taking the time to understand, to listen, and to care even when it takes effort.
