Students of various cultures from around the world met in Bakersfield College’s Fireside Room Feb. 28 in celebration of Black History Month.
“Global Celebration, Meet and Greet,” hosted by Dr. and Mrs. John Mugema and Mr. and Mrs. Ekanem, was intended to bring together international students attending community colleges to share their experiences and spread their cultures.
“I don’t play soccer. I don’t dance Samba,” said BC economics major from Brazil, Bruno.
Though there were students from an array of African heritages present to emphasize Black History Month, many other students came to represent their country or continent: Canada, South America, Asia, Japan, Lebanon and the Philippines.
More specifically, people from Liberia, Tanzania and Kenya, for example, came to represent the different heritages in Africa.
“This is truly an international event,” said the host as she welcomed everybody and explained how the night was to progress.
Students and faculty were instructed to find their table, which was adorned with different countries’ flags representing their country.
After people poured in and received complimentary drinks such as hot cocoa and food such as cookies, the introductions began.
“Our most effective marketing is word of mouth,”said BC President William Andrews as he introduced himself.
To help students feel more comfortable, other students who helped put on the event began introducing themselves.
The sheet of questions that were placed on each table prior to the event were used as a basis to understand and learn about each student’s culture. People learned an example of different languages that the students know such as Swahili. They also talked about stereotypes that are present in each country.
“How long did it take your hair to grow like that?” asked a participant.
“Five years,” answered a BC student from Canada.
One of the hosts spoke about his cultural shock that was ignited by his move from Liberia to New York 24 years ago. “The weather switched.”
Soon, students became more comfortable as they stood up to the podium one after the other.
One Canadian student who attends Cal State-Bakersfield engaged everyone by performing on a drum.
Others spoke about how much cultural diversity they picked up while growing up such as being born in Germany and raised in Kenya. Though originally from the Philippines, Michael was raised both in Ireland and Hawaii.
According to Shohreh Rahman, international student counselor, “The international students at Bakersfield College represent the rich cultural diversity of Kern County.”