The Multicultural Student Association (MSA) has hosted the Multicultural Coffeehouse for over 10 years, but this year, things went a little differently
The Black Student Union (BSU) was planning to celebrate the end of Black History Month by hosting their last event, Expressions, the night before the Multicultural Coffeehouse. They had arranged to have food, talent and fellowship, similar to the plans for Multicultural Coffeehouse.
Because Expressions and the Multicultural Coffeehouse were similar gatherings scheduled back-to-back, MSA and BSU decided to work together and combine their efforts for one event hosted on March 1.
“We are bringing an emphasis of, ‘Okay, we ended our Black History Month; now we’re moving forward celebrating all of our cultures up until whenever our next event, our next Heritage Month is,’” Maribel Magallanes, director of student leadership and cultural programs, said.
The Multicultural Coffeehouse and Expressions event took place in the LaRita Boren Campus Center, outside of the Office of Intercultural Programs. Students heading to Chick-fil-A or Freshens could stop for snacks from around the world and stay for the music and performances.
MSA and BSU set up a small stage against the windows in the building. Microphones and instruments covered the front half, and green decorations draped across the back.
Brown paper and crayons covered the tables for the younger members of the audience. Games like chess opened doors for conversation amongst people.
“This [layout] is something different that me and my co-president came up with because people love playing games and talking to each other while playing games,” sophomore Rhoda Belachew, co-president of MSA, said. “It could bring up different conversations. I think that’s a good way to keep people right there, enjoying snacks and enjoying the performances.”
As people sat down with their food, the show began.
The night started with Expressions artists who performed spoken word, read poetry, and sang songs by Black artists. Junior Zayda Strother, co-president of BSU, said they were focusing on “uplifting Black voices.”
As the students performed, the audience clapped and cheered in support. Friendly chatter filled the air in the background as people ate and fellowshipped.
“I really like seeing people I know under a different light; people I’m in class with up on stage singing,” Strother said. “It’s so fun.”
Throughout the night, the masters of ceremony, sophomores Sean Jean and Nathaniel Kooi, provided colorful commentary as they introduced the next acts. They transitioned the night smoothly from Expressions to the Multicultural Coffeehouse.
Students from all cultures and backgrounds mounted the stage to share their gifts. They drew the crowd in with different songs and dancing. The audience could participate and learn a few Ethiopian dance moves led by freshman Meskerem James.
Magallanes said she was excited to see students fellowship with one another and celebrate their identities together. She said that seeing students bring their community to the rest of campus is a joyful event.
“Many of them really come out here and support their peers,” She said.“They rejoice when they’re able to see somebody sing in their language —they really take pride in who they are.”
As people began to move chairs back and collect empty plates, music started to play. Students rushed to the front of the room to start line dancing, ending the night with laughter.
For two hours, students from around the world could step away from their busy lives to celebrate together.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of stress that comes with different academics and being a college student,” Belachew said. “I think it’s going to get really busy, and so hopefully this is going to be a time where people can actually spend time with one another and enjoy their moment.”
MSA and BSU worked to prepare an event that shared their cultures with Taylor University. They shared their food, their songs and a piece of their home.
Belachew said she hopes this event is the beginning of many more that share people’s culture and hospitality.
“If new bridges can be built, if new friendships can be built through a coffeehouse, new experiences of hospitality, that would be my hope,” Magallanes said.
