Food, music attract multicultural crowd


Monday, March 2, 1998	Food, music attract multicultural crowd The success of "A Multicultural Evening" led organizers to turn some attendees away from a Rec Hall gym. By DARYL LANG and TIM SWIFT Collegian Staff Writers The line that snaked though the corridors of Rec Hall and onto Burrowes Road Friday wasn't for a concert or a sports game.
*"I came to learn about different cultures and learn more about myself."* - Shaneka Castro (junior-biobehavioral health)	It was for multiculturalism. More than 1,000 people filled Rec Hall's South Gymnasium for free food and entertainment at "A Multicultural Evening," said Michelle Cólon, Undergraduate Student Government director of multicultural affairs and an event coordinator. "I came to learn about different cultures and learn more about myself," said Shaneka Castro (junior-biobehavioral health). "I feel that if you want to learn about other cultures, it's up to you. There's only so much the University can do for you."
`Undergraduate Student Government Multicultural Affairs`	Cultural performances at the event included music by The Earthtones, a poetry reading and several dancing routines. Christopher Cole (junior-communications) said he was looking for a student group to become active in, so he attended to learn more about different cultural organizations on campus. Aside from the entertainment, free food from different cultures drew many to the activities. The selection of foods varied from curry chicken to Chinese doughnuts, and demand was so high that some items ran out. "I'm hoping that some food will be left. Anything is better than the commons," said Amanda Bower (freshman-environmental resource management), as she waited in line. USG and Minorities in Agriculture and Natural Resources Association organized the event, which was supported by more than 30 other campus organizations.
`Minorities in Agriculture and Natural Resources Association`	"It seemed very interesting in that it represents so many different peoples," said Reggan Walker (freshmen-elementary education), who persuaded her friends to attend the event. Last year, the first "Multicultural Evening" took place at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Colón said, but the event's organizers decided to move it this year to accommodate more people. Colón said she was surprised so many people attended and was upset about having to turn some people away from the South Gym, which filled to capacity. "I think next year we're looking for The Bryce Jordan Center," Colón said. Collegian staff writer Aakash Bhatt contributed to this report.

Food, music attract multicultural crowd

The success of "A Multicultural Evening" led organizers to turn some attendees away from a Rec Hall gym.