The day it rained diversity
Diversity day saw a whole variety of cultures and music descend upon the TSC patio Thursday.
In between moving drums and guitars, Asciotiated Students of Utah State University diversity vice president Gabe Carter, said the purpose of the show, “is to provide students on campus the opportunity to familiarize themselves with some of the multi-cultural and international student groups on campus and some of their activities throughout the year.”
The Hispanic Student Council set up their booth on the patio with tortilla chips and information on their organization. Led by president, Ana Hodgson, the HSC works to promote Hispanic Culture.
Come October they will host a Hispanic week with book readings, movies and food. The HSC also plans to put on Salsa and Latin dancing nights.
Another “dancing organization” is the Polynesian Student Union (PSU). As Susiane Siulua, president of the PSU said, the one thing that defines Polynesian culture is the dancing.
PSU is actively involved with social work and undertakes a number of service projects throughout the year. In the spring the PSU holds its annual luau, an event with dancing, food and more Polynesian culture.
A Diversity Day wouldn’t be complete without music. The first singer for the day was Jasmine Michaelson and she set the ball rolling with accoustic folk music.
Michaelson was followed by rock group, “Subliminal Conversion.”
Suzy Rashid, vocalist and lyricist for the band, said, “We are funkish, freakish and folkish.” Gary Snapp plays drums while Ryo Kawakamyi pulls the strings for this band.
The Asian American Student Council featured a booth with photographs that preview the upcoming activities.
The AASC president and senior majoring in liberal arts and science Phally Chhouk, described the council as “diverse.”
The organization represents Americans from a whole mix of Asian countries.
Chhouk said they are a group of people who are real excited about their food and they plan to hold many cookouts for students during the semester.
Students can also catch their float at the Homecoming Parade and their dragon mural during the annual street painting competition.
Students should also watch out because AASC will be hosting a “Martial Arts” workshop for the first time this year.
There were various pieces of exotic headgear at the table for the Native American Student Council. This club is filled with cooking enthusiasts, and their biggest gig is the Pow-Wow. An amalgamation of more than thirty tribes, the Pow-Wow involves much dancing, singing and celebration.
Sonny Bryant, a biology sophomore and member of the NASC said, “We want to share (our culture) with others.”
Adding another dimension to Diversity Day was Common Ground, a group which organizes outdoor activities like rafting and horse-back riding for adults and children with disabilities.
Common ground will hold a screening of “Farther Than The Eye Can See”, a documentary featuring Erik Weihenmayer’s journey as the first blind person to scale Everest, at the USU Kent Concert Hall on September 7th.
Jessica Green from Common Ground said, “We rely on and appreciate community and volunteer support for our life-enhancing programs.”
Diversity Day finished out with country-reggae music and Bob Marley covers by Rebecca and Todd.
-nishachamp@yahoo.com