Intercultural Festival showcases diversity

How can you get more than 1,500 people out to VCU on a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon? Offer a good gimmick, games and plenty of food and entertainment. Which is exactly what VCU’s Intercultural Festival did with its “Where in the World is Rodney the Ram?” theme.

Students and community members were invited to share in the same mission as they searched for the elusive mascot of VCU throughout Park Plaza. The plaza was divided into minidisplays of cultural diversity. Armed with passports, the guests traveled through Europe, Africa, South Asia, Latin America and Asia.

William Bosher, dean of the School of Education, said he thought the festival was a wonderful display of the diversity found at VCU.

“The attendees represent the same diversity that is being showcased, which is our strength,” he said. “That strength comes through a better understanding of other cultures.”

At each stop was the chance to earn a stamp on your passport, which was one step closer to finding Rodney and earning one of the grand prizes being offered, such as Palm Pilots and DVD players. Exotic crafts, garments, music, games, foods also greeted the travelers.

If you were feeling limber, you could partake in the “World Religions Twister,” which asked such questions as “What are three parts of the Trinity?” Other events offered were face painting, origami and a chance to draw “What God Means 2?”

Samantha Mash, in charge of games, said the festival was important because of current world events.

“I think it is extremely important because we have so many cultures represented here and with the state the world finds itself in, it is refreshing to gather together and celebrate our differences,” Marsh said.

Showcasing the theme of diversity was apparent in the organizations that set up booths. The Latin Student Association, African Student Union, Muslim Student Association, Indian Cultural Organization and Vietnamese Student Association were just a few of the groups participating.

The Geographical Society offered traditional garments and crafts from Uganda with prices ranging from $3 to $15. Helen Ruth Aspaas, assistant professor in the department of urban studies and planning, said all proceeds will go to the women’s group of Uganda who crafted the items.

“We made about $112 from sales,” Aspass said, adding that the group did drawings throughout the day to give away crafts.

Aspaas said the turnout of the crowd reflected on their willingness to learn about other cultures.

“They didn’t look at the booths and leave; they stayed for the entire event,” she said.

Mireille Truong, co-director of the festival and SGA vice president, said the festival served several purposes.

“It gives students the opportunity to discover other cultures and share theirs with others,” she said. It also gives (students) the chance to meet other organizations and members of the Richmond community.” It was also a day for fun and relaxation.

Relaxing was easily accomplished by first stopping by any of the vendors and sampling foods from the Mediterranean, Caribbean or India and then finding a spot to sit and watch the performances of dance and song.

Rosanna Amato, VCU Homecoming Queen 2003, said the festival is one of her favorite things about springtime at the campus.

“The diversity of the university is amazing. There are so many talented people among us,” Amato said. “I think it is wonderful that the festival lets us share each other’s company and talent for a day and integrates different people into one student body.”

Performers were not only from VCU but also from as far away as New York, which sent Potsdam Pointercounts New York Acapella Group. The University of Richmond sent Ngoma, a dance troupe, to perform at the festival. Ngoma celebrated traditional African dances such as the “Econne-conne,” which depicts workers in the rice fields.

The Chinese Student Association was a crowd pleaser with its rendition of the “Lion Dance.” Here the Delung (lion) and Ong Dia (man) are in a battle of the wills as the man tries to get the lion to dance.

Some onlookers of the performances were from outside of Richmond. Uloma Onyegubla drove from Washington, D.C. to cheer her friend, May Nnonah.

“I just came to support my friend,” Onyegubla said, referring to Nnonah’s performance with the Rejoyce in Jesus Campus Fellowship. “They did a good job.” Onyegubla praised the groups’ performance.

Truong said participation was open to everyone and she hopes VCU will continue to look to the community to aid in upcoming events. “We hope in the future more groups from other states, universities and from the Richmond community will participate in the festival,” Truong said.

The event closed with a fashion show followed by an awards ceremony. Awards were given to performers, booth participants and vendors. Performers were judged in categories such as: most creative, best outfits, most crowd pleasing and most traditional. The vendors won awards depending on culinary skills and the booths received awards based on best spirit, organization and participation.