In our world today, the diversity of cultures is evidently growing. In fact, within Northwestern College alone, there are at least 25 different cultures represented. Our unique qualities and differences are what make humans beautiful and distinct. With that in mind, it is crucial that we acknowledge and appreciate these differences through recognition and celebration.
On Feb. 4, our campus held its annual Beloved Festival of Culture at the four-court area of the Rowenhorst Student Center. The public event, which lasted from 5-8 p.m., featured meals, activities, a fashion show and performances that showcased various cultures from around the world. Kelsey Joseph, NWC’s associate director of intercultural development, led the organization of the event with the assistance of I-Club members headed by Hikaru Hirata, Bridge Scholars and several other students.
During the Beloved Festival of Culture, a range of meals was made available to the public, including Yakisoba from Japan, Beef Bulgogi from Korea, Cachapas from Venezuela and Braised Chicken from Malaysia.
In addition to the delicious meals, the festival also presented a fashion show with individuals featuring their stunning traditional attire from China, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, the Philippines, Polynesian Islands, Taiwan and Thailand. Additionally, audiences had the opportunity to watch a recorded Soran Bushi performance by Japanese students from the Winter English Program. Following this, Melanie, a student from Dordt University, took the stage to perform a fantastic dance number.
The festival did not conclude at this point, as Hirata and Tyler Nhan organized a Slido pop quiz that focused on diverse cultures. Our esteemed associate professor of business and economics, Dr. Fan Fei, emerged as the winner of the quiz.
Afterward, the audience was treated to several other performances, including a beautiful Nigerian song by Princess Bola-Lawal from Nigeria and Megumi Tomita from Japan, as well as Japanese songs sung by Shion Lee and a band consisting of Lee, Tomita, Hirata, and Jef Meribole. The event culminated with a delightful collaborative dance number from our very own I-Club and Dordt’s Students Without Borders club members.
The Beloved Festival of Culture was a delightful celebration of the diverse cultures and traditions that make our world unique and beautiful. The event was a great success, with a diverse range of performances, delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrated our community’s unique qualities and differences. The festival demonstrated the importance of recognizing and appreciating the value of cultural diversity, and it served as a reminder of the joy and fun that can be found in sharing and celebrating different cultures. Moving forward, it is vital that we continue to celebrate and honor our differences, both on our campus and beyond, and that we actively seek out opportunities to learn from and engage with diverse cultures.
