Strength, Empowerment, Unity - Celebrating Black History Month

Strength. Empowerment. Unity was the theme for this year’s Black History Month and that message definitely flowed through the whole Black History Month Reception that was held yesterday. The Multipurpose Room was filled with music and references to the Black cultural experience in the U.S. There were art pieces, images of Black icons—ranging from James Baldwin to ballerina Misty Copland—and a table for guests to sign and attach their thoughts to a broader quilt that covered the theme of the month.

The program opened with the MC, Mikwaevonn Mills, introducing and explaining the theme and its cultural relevance to the audience. She then introduced the Hofstra’s Gospel Ensemble, who led the audience in singing the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice.”  After the gospel ensemble, Ms. Mills then introduced our wonderful speaker for the occasion, Dr. Gloria Browne-Marshall.



Dr. Browne-Marshall expounded on the theme, breaking down the current generation’s need for Strength, empowerment, and unity. She called the students “the next great generation” and urged them to remember the sacrifices of the past protesters and leaders. The audience sat engaged as Dr. Browne-Marshall flowed in and out of the past historical movements, previous legislation and tied everything into the current climate of protest and youth engagement.  She ended her speech with letting everyone know, the new and the older generations, that everyone has a place in the process for change and that everyone has the responsibility to strengthen, empower, and to unite each other.


After the speech, Gloria Browne-Marshall then took questions from the audience. Students, staff, and community members asked questions that were eloquently answered by Dr. Browne-Marshall.

Visit the MISPO website to find out more about other Black History Month events.


 To partake in the Hofstra Black History Month discussion through social media, use #BLKHistoryHU

Guest Blogger, Jason Spradley
Graduate Student, Rhetoric, 2016
Multicultural and International Student Programs Office, Graduate Assistant

Flavors of our Neighborhood!

As we prepare for finals, it is important to look back and remember the fun and educational programs we experienced throughout the semester. Here is an account by Allie Koo, a junior linguistics major, about our Flavors of our Neighborhood trip:

The latest trip for the Flavors of our Neighborhood series was to Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place on November 20, sponsored by Off Campus Living and Commuter Student Services (OCLCSS) and the Multicultural International Student Programs Office (MISPO). Close to Hofstra, ambient, and delicious, this authentic Italian experience was extraordinary!

To our delight, the theme song to The Godfather greeted us when we arrived! The restaurant was buzzing with lively chatter, and lights were strung overhead. We passed a giant wall of sauces by the entrance and the famous clam bar along the left wall.

As we sat down at our table, Anita Ellis, Director of OCLCSS, shared stories of her Italian heritage
and about the distinct Italian-American culture that emerged from the arrival of many Italian immigrants in the early 1900s into the United States, including her grandparents. As we listened, we noticed Italian culture bears many similarities to our own.

The menu consisted of the following tastings:

• Calamari and tomato sauce
• Bruschetta topped with onion, olive, tomato, olive oil, basil
• Linguini in tomato sauce
• Rigatoni in tomato sauce
• Eggplant parmesan
• Chicken cacciatore
• Cannoli, ice cream, tiramisu for dessert!

At the end of our lovely dinner, Anita introduced us to Bobby, who opened Vincent’s of Long Island with his brother. He started as a waiter in the original Vincent’s restaurant in Little Italy, Manhattan, which is still open today! Bobby’s dream was to introduce Long Islanders to the intricate flavors of Italian cuisine and all the culture that comes with them. After dining in Vincent’s Clam Bar that evening, we definitely got a taste of Italian cuisine, culture, and Bobby’s dream!

Thanking Anita and Bobby, we walked out of Vincent’s towards campus with our stomachs and hearts full and satisfied.

Each participant was given a jar of Vincent’s Clam Bar  sauce to take home.

Guest Blogger: Allie Koo, junior linguistics major

The Journey of Pursuing your Dreams - A review of the Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month Reception

Natalia Orozco

On Wednesday, October 22, 2014, Hofstra celebrated Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month with a reception filled with inspiring speeches, introduction to the diversity of dance in Latino/Hispanic culture, and food, including candy from a piñata.

Alicia Anabel Santos

Natalia Orozco, a junior Broadcast Journalism major,  was our M.C. for the event, who shared her experiences growing up as a Latina. She encouraged others who identify as Latino/Hispanic to really celebrate who they are and share their heritage and culture with everyone. A proud Latina, she emphasized how the value of family and being a part of a wider community is a huge part of her identity and her culture.

HOLA teaches participants salsa and bachata

Natalia then introduced playwright Alicia Anabel Santos, this year’s keynote speaker, who works as both writer and co-producer at Creador Pictures and is also founder and CEO of  NYC Latina Writers. The pursuit of one’s dreams in the face of adversity was the overall theme of Alicia’s speech. She emphasized to the students that they are worthy of their dreams, and that they do not need permission or approval to have these dreams and make them a reality. She stressed for students not to sacrifice their happiness in order to not disappoint others who don’t have the same dreams for them. “Your dreams are validated, supported and encouraged,” she stated, “You don’t need to have all the answers today. Dreams shift, evolve and change.” The important thing is to keep moving toward your dreams, and not to give up on them because others say you can’t do it or you shouldn’t do it.

piñata time!

Alicia shared antidotes of her personal journey featured in her book “Finding Your Force: A Journey to Love,” which was also this heritage month’s featured book. She shared both her biggest success moments and also her failures. She encouraged students to face their fears of not being accepted and to strive toward their dreams. She stressed that the successes and the failures are equally important, as they define who we are and all that we are made of.

MISPO handed out MUÑECAS QUITAPENAS - “worry-free dolls”
to students. This popular traditional toy originated in Guatemala

Hofstra Organization of Latin Americans (HOLA) then taught the participants about the diversity of dance in Latin America, including the bachata and salsa. Then, participants had a chance to learn more about the history and culture of the piñata and eventually break it open to get some candy.

Several events throughout October were hosted to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the theme of which is Legacy of History, Present of Action, and Future of Success.  Share your stories and experiences on social media using the hashtag #HUCultura14.


The next and final event is the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, which will be held on Thursday, October 30 at 7 p.m. in Plaza Rooms East and Middle, Mack Student Center, North Campus. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) originated in Mexico as a celebration of the lives of family and friends who have died. Join HOLA to learn the many traditions associated with this holiday. For more information contact HOLA at HOLAhofstra77@gmail.com.

Alicia Anabel Santos with members of HOLA

LGBTQIA Heritage Month Reception

In honor of LGBTQIA Heritage Month, the Multicultural and International Student Programs Office put on a reception in collaboration with the Pride Network and the LGBTQIA heritage month committee, consisting of students, faculty and staff. 
Jose Rivera, a member of The Pride Network and a senior Spanish and Latin american and Caribbean Studies major, acted as our M.C. and welcomed students, faculty and staff from across the university who came to support the LGBTQIA community. 

Sigma' Cappella, an on campus Acapella group, opened the reception with a few songs, including a beautiful and inspiring rendition of "Love is a 2 way street." The Pride Network followed shortly after with an LGBTQIA trivia that provided the audience with important dates in LGBTQIA history.

Our featured keynote speaker was Micah Jesse, 2009 Hofstra alumnus and Entertainment/Pop Culture Expert. Sharing his key to  success, he encouraged students to expand their network while studying at Hofstra as many of his current  colleagues are former Hofstra students. He also reminded students that "Your network is your networth."

Micah shared his inspiring story of being  discriminated against for who he was in his hometown in Georgia. He later moved to Hofstra where he felt accepted and embraced for who he was. When Micah saw Hofstra's sign "Gay? Fine by Hofstra" he knew it was safe to come out and truly be himself. He encouraged other LGBTQIA students to get involved on campus as well others to serve as allies to support individuals who identify as being part of the LGBTQIA community.  Today, Micah is involved in the WWE Anti-bullying campaign to teach young people that respect and acceptance of difference is not only cool but a key part of a civil society.

Thank you Micah for inspiring us to '"find our passion and we will be successful!" 

Micah Jesse with members of The Pride Network

Be sure to check out other events happening during LGBTQIA heritage month, including one of Hofstra's traditions the Pride Network's Drag Show happening this upcoming Wednesday, October 22, 8-11 p.m. in the Student Center Theater.

Take the Ally Path!

 Hofstra's 1st Annual Ally Week: March 24-28, 2014

Ally Week is a week for students to engage in conversation and commit to take action against bullying and harassment to become better allies to LGBT students and the LGBT community. Join the celebration and support your LGBT friends and colleagues by attending this year's Ally Week events hosted by MISPO, the Center for Civic Engagement, Hofstra Cultural Center, the LGBT Studies Program, the Pride Network and others! All Hofstra Ally Week events are free and open to everyone in the Hofstra community.

For more information about Ally Week: mispo@hofstra.edu or 516-463-6796 or find us on Facebook!

What is an Ally?

An ally does not necessarily identify as LGBT, but supports the LGBT community by standing against the bullying and harassment that LGBT students face in school and in the workplace. Allies can be straight or LGBT identified adults! Anyone who takes a stand against anti-LGBT bullying and harassment can be an ally.

Taking the Ally Path

• Learn from someone who is different from you. Don’t just hear what they say- listen.
• Educate yourself on social justice by reading books and articles and watching movies about people different from you. Spread the word!
• Keep an open mind and try not to judge 
• Don’t assume to completely know someone else’s experience. 
• Try to empathize, not sympathize.
• Accept that there are limitations to your ability to empathize and understand someone else’s experience.
• "Speak from your own experience. Never speak for an entire group’s experience or try to represent an entire group."
• Ask another person how they identify and what terms to use/not-use. Do not assume all terms are a one-size fits all. Each person identifies differently and identifies with different terms.
• Be mindful of your unconscious biases: notice your behavior and how it may affect others.
• Seek to understand the different forms of oppression.
• Recognize that no one form of oppression is more significant than another; there is no hierarchy of oppression.
• Seek to understand and acknowledge your own privileges
• Understand that feeling guilty is a part of the process of being an ally. Don’t let it deter you from being an ally, but don’t try to “make up” for it. 
• "Know that the past is not your fault, but the present and future are your responsibility."
• Envision utilizing your power to bring about social change that benefits all people, especially those who come from underprivileged backgrounds.
• Attend a protest, rally, or march for something you believe.
• Speak out against harassment and offensive statements you hear by speaking for others who are not present, interrupting offensive jokes, and dispelling myths and stereotypes.
• Be cognizant of the goods and services you use that might have a positive or negative impact on those you want to be an ally to. 
• "Expand your global perspective by interacting with people, groups and communities with which you might not ordinarily socialize." 
• Encourage others to become allies.
• Interact and find support from and be supportive of other allies.
• Help build bridges among different social groups.
• Support environments where everyone can have a voice.
• Be comfortable with yourself and accept your own identity, background, and history.
• Don’t expect to be accepted as an ally, and be comfortable with criticism and feedback.  
• Don’t expect recognition for your ally work.
• Accept that others may stereotype you.
• Accept frustration and/or anger from those who have been oppressed.
• Respond to acts of anger with acts of kindness.
• Use examples that don’t exclude a particular group’s experience. Be inclusive.
• Support people in the manner they want to be supported. Don’t assume to know what support they want and what’s best for them.
• Take risks and continually try to improve!

Adapted from:
http://www.iamsafezone.com/

D'Angelo, Anthony J.: Inspiration for LGBT Students & Their Allies Paperback,  November 5, 2002

Becoming More

Multicultural Mixer: Collegiate Women of Color recite a Maya Angelou poem.
Photo taken by Laura Bellini, Hofstra class of 2017, 
Political Science and Journalism major

I am often asked, “Why do you like living in the U.S.?”

My immediate answer is always: “Its diversity.” Then, I usually explain that in the U.S. you can not only interact with people from very diverse backgrounds (heritage, religious, etc.) but you can also find rich cultural diversity that was developed in the various regions/states of the country. You can also find geographic diversity, diversity in food, diversity in seasons/weather, etc.

Multicultural Mixer: H*INT performs a Bollywood dance called "Desi Girl."
Photo taken by Laura Bellini.

When hearing Lisa Young’s keynote address at the Diversity Awareness reception today, I was immediately taken in with our shared view on the diversity of diversity that exists! Lisa Young, a Hofstra alumna, spoke about the fact that “diversity is everywhere and is in all of us.” She continued to define that everyone has culture, whether you are coming from a majority or minority group. She emphasized that each of us helps make diversity more complete, “Without you, diversity becomes a little less.”

A special thanks to all the Multicultural Mixer participants!
Photo taken by Laura Bellini.

Reflecting on Lisa’s words, I think of our event on Monday, the Multicultural Mixer, where we greeted more than 300 students, faculty, and administrators to taste and smell the diversity of food, watch and listen to the diversity of performance art shared by our students. If one person didn't participate in that event, yes, the event would have not been the same. And I also recognize, that while we had a great turnout for the event, if more people would have participated, the richer the event would have become.

Diversity Awareness Reception: Opening Remarks by
Chelsea Gillyard, Class of 2014, Marketing Major

Lisa further emphasized in her speech that “Diversity is healthy and it enriches our life.” She talked about how fruits and vegetables have a wide variety of nutrients to keep us healthy and how working out with a varied routine makes us stronger. She also talked about how the arts help enhance our lives for celebration, relaxation, and/or community building.

Diversity Awareness Reception:"Who We Are" moving poem participants

Diversity Awareness Reception: Keynote address by Lisa Young,
Award-winning Entrepreneuer and Sociolinguist, Hofstra Alumna 2010 and 2012

Diversity Awareness Reception: Drum Circle led by Terry Muldoon with Steel Margarita

We were able to experience this healthy enrichment later on during the reception, after Lisa spoke, when we were able to participate in a drum circle, led by Hofstra alumna, Terry Muldoon. We were able to select the percussion instrument of our choice, and Terry showed us all the unique characteristics that each instrument brought to harmony of sound. Not only did the drum circle enhance the reception’s activities, but is also helped us de-stress and find a rhythm with each other.

The final point Lisa emphasized in her speech was that “The more you diversify, the more you become.” As diversity of thought and talent will help continue to help the human race evolve, Lisa encouraged the audience to continue to learn about the unique characteristics everyone brings to the table. She pointed out that seeking to understand will not only expand your comfort zone, but it will bring about immense personal growth.

I couldn't agree more. One of the reasons I love my work is that I get to interact with people with such varied backgrounds. Every day I learn something new. Working in a diverse setting is becoming the norm. Just today on the radio, I learned about community spaces where people from various working backgrounds come together to work in the same space, build connections, and enhance ideas. The workforce is changing from the emphasis of individuality toward a more collaborative environment. This change has everything to do with the value of diversity.

In the spirit of honoring the diversity at Hofstra, we are calling on members of the Hofstra community to join us in planning our heritage months. We host 6 heritage months throughout the year, and we are looking for your input into these events. If you are interested in participating on any of the planning committees, please email me at Jenn.Christ@hofstra.edu.

Please help us embrace the diversity at Hofstra!

What To Expect From the Drag Show?

Drag show? University? Hofstra? What is this a gay club in NYC? Many students at Hofstra are asking themselves these questions. No, this is not an NYC gay club where the Drag Circuit is popular, this is Hofstra University where everyone is accepted just the way they are.

Since 2008, The Pride Network at Hofstra University has been responsible for bringing to campus some of the most talented drag queens the tri-state has to offer. In its initial stages, it started off very small with just student performers. Then came 2010 and I had the pleasure of meeting Christian Fuscarino, Founder of The Pride Network (2012 Alumnus of Hofstra University). He talked to me, mentored me, and, in a way, brought me out of my shell during my freshman year. He then told me that the organization puts on a Drag Show every year. It was then, that I knew I had to become part of this organization. I told Christian I would be able to pull off a drag show all on my own.

I had the right connections, being part of the Carrera family (just Google “ball culture” and you will know what I refer to by ‘family,’ or if you are into learning watch Paris is Burning). I immediately got in contact with my connections. I already knew Tiah Carrera, my gay aunt, would be the perfect host. She’s funny and shady, and she can get really up close and personal with the audience. Luckily, Carmen Carrera, another gay aunt of mine, was just finished filming RuPaul’s Drag Race, so I contacted her to be a part of it as well along with some other friends I knew who did drag and a few other Carreras. It was the Carrera show you might say!

Since the first show, it has become more successful. We have had the likes of Raja, Jessica Wild, and Pandora Box: all alumni of RuPaul’s Drag Race. In addition, we had well known drag queens and showgirls like Natalie Carrera, Chanel International, Tiffany Richards, Sasha Renee, Blonka Ivette, and Halo Carrera, just to name a few. The reason I take this on every year is because I have such great respect for drag queens, drag kings, female impersonators and showgirls. Although the show is, for the most part, entertaining, these drag queens also share their experiences as performers and female impersonators. What we call showgirls refers to transgender women (Male to female) also have had the chance to perform and share their experience starting off as a drag queen and transitioning into a woman. That was the case with Carmen Carrera who decided to reveal she was transitioning after filming ended for RuPaul’s Drag Race. It takes a lot to come out as homosexual, but it takes a lot more to come out as transgender, at least in my opinion. These performers are just like any other person with a 9-5 professional job, families, children, etc. They use drag as their art exhibition in a way, showing how creative and talented they can be on the stage. Drag, is after all an art form.  Just because it is a drag show, does not mean you can’t come if you like the opposite sex. It is entertaining, but above all, you might learn a thing or two about drag queens!

So everyone is probably wondering, what should I expect from this 6th Annual Drag Show this year? Here is a list of things to expect.

1. The ever so funny and shady Tiah Carrera  will once again be hosting the show. Be warned, she might call you out, even if you are heterosexual!

2. A VERY LONG LINE. Arrive early, even if you have purchased tickets. You want to get a good seat! Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. Get your ticket early and have your wristband ready. You will not have to wait in line. No wristband, no entry! Tickets will be more at the door! Spacing is limited!!

3. This year’s show will be dedicated to Lip-sync Legend Princess Janae Banks, a well-known Tri-State showgirl who lost her life to cancer this past year. Hence, there will be some tears coming from some drag queens. Prepare for an emotional ride.

4. Expect the drag queens to get up close and personal with the audience. If you have dollars, tip them! This is sort of their night job!

5. Imani, TranscenDANCE will be in the HOUSE, killing it with their moves! (disclaimer: no real killing will take place)

6. Sigma’cappella will put us all at ease with their joyful singing!

7. Hofstra Students with ID will pay $5 at the door (advanced tickets are $3). If you are a not a Hofstra Student, it will be $10 at the door.

8. Come in your best Halloween costume. Best costume will get a special prize!

9. Drum roll… Manila Luzon, from RuPaul’s Season 3 will be headlining! So if you are a FANILA make sure you come out.

Guest Blogger: Jose Rivera
Senior, Spanish and Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Gay? Hofstra is your Ally!

A university like Hofstra is a microcosm of the larger United States culture and society. Being a university, however, puts it in the unique position of being responsible for educating and creating well-rounded citizens who can both excel at their career and be adaptable, socially-conscious people. The problems of the greater US are also experienced to varying degrees at Hofstra. One problem in particular is homophobia. The violent crimes rate against people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) is on the rise. According to Herek, over 90% of LGBTQ individuals report experiencing some form of harassment based on their identity. It is important to remember that harassment, violence, and even small gestures of non-acceptance toward LGBTQ people (e.g., comments like “That’s so gay!”) are not random and isolated events. It is a larger sign of a homophobic thread that remains stubbornly weaved into the multicultural tapestry that is the United States of America. To change the world, they say you have to start at home. Here at Hofstra, which we hope is your home away from home, we believe we can begin plucking out the threads of homophobia.

To the LGBT community, the Division of Student Affairs at Hofstra recognizes that it may be difficult for you to feel safe and accepted in a society in which homophobia is still such an issue. We are committed to creating, at Hofstra, a truly cosmopolitan community that is defined by acceptance and support of all cultural differences, including sexual and gender identity.

A recent article on HealthyPlace.com entitled “Gay Discrimination and Stigma and How to Cope” helps LGBTQ individuals, as well as concerned allies, recognize homophobic behavior in the world around them and identify prejudice thinking. The Division of Student Affairs has created programming and services to counteract stigma and discrimination and help LGBTQ students cope. Some of the recommendations Healthyplace.com suggests are:
• Share your experiences: find a safe space such as a gay support group where you can share your experiences with others
• Join an advocacy group: a group that actively fights gay stigma and discrimination
• Find the right people: surround yourself by loved ones who support you and those that may be going through similar situations themselves.

The Pride Network at Hofstra is a safe place to share your experiences, find support, and advocate against homophobia. The Multicultural & International Student Programs Office (MISPO) is in the process of creating a Safe Space project to educate allies to create a community of acceptance on campus. The stigma and discrimination of homophobia creates unique anxiety to individuals who wish to come out and identify as LGBTQ.  The MISPO and Student Counseling Services will be providing a support workshop to help in this delicate process. Visit MISPO or Pride Network’s on Facebook for updates on these important upcoming programs. Join other allies in this cause; you are invited to attend the annual LGBTQ History Month Reception, Wednesday October 2nd in Multipurpose Room East from 11:15 to 12:45.

Creating educated, adaptable, and socially conscious citizens is a primary purpose of higher education. In working toward that goal, instilling a passion for social justice and equal consideration for all people regardless of sexual, gender, or any other form of identity is an important piece in creating a more compassionate society overall.

Guest Blogger: 

Jason Schaefer Graduate Student Assistant for LGBTQ Programs at MISPO

Mental Health Counseling Graduate Student

Progress towards Equality at Hofstra and in the U.S.

As the new Fall semester looms closer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) affairs have been in the news a lot  with the recent strike down of a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and many US states legalizing marriage equality.  At first glance, it may seem that it has never been easier to be gay in the U.S.; while in some sense this may be true it is also true that LGBTQ individuals continue to face subtle and overt barriers. If you or someone you know is LGBTQ, you may already be familiar with the challenges such as discrimination, stigmatization, bullying, and other forms of oppression.

The Division of Student Affairs’ mission at Hofstra is to create an egalitarian and welcoming campus for all cultural groups, including LGBTQ individuals. We hope to encourage the student body to appreciate and understand the differences between groups of people while also promoting the equal consideration and advocacy for human rights, which we are all entitled to as human beings. Hofstra provides opportunities for students to learn about what is important about being LGBTQ and creates programming to ensure that students who identify as LGBTQ will have the support they need when faced with these potential barriers.

NYC Pride Parade 2013

The Pride Network is a student-run organization that meets weekly to provide a common, safe social environment to LGBTQ individuals. Their Gay Straight Alliance brings together allies and LGBTQ students to collaborate on supporting various social advocacy initiatives and educational and social events that the Pride Network plans and sponsors.

The Multicultural & International Student Programs Office (MISPO) works closely with the Pride Network as the official office of the Division of Student Affairs responsible for LGBTQ (and other multicultural) programming. Upcoming events in the Fall included in the LGBTQ Heritage Month in October include LGBTQ Diversity, Dialogue, and Desserts, LGBTQ Reception, a Support Workshop on Coming Out, and more. For updates and event information, follow MISPO on Facebook.

Stop by MISPO, Student Center 242, to pick up complimentary luggage tags

For a student interested in learning more about LGBTQ issues, Hofstra’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences has created an LGBT Studies Program. According to the director of the program, David Powell: “LGBT Studies focus on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, their history and culture, considering sexualities and genders as identities, social statuses, categories of knowledge, and as lenses that help us to frame how we understand our world.” Students can make LGBTQ studies their academic minor if they wish, which can be an ideal accompaniment to any academic major.

As the nation slowly works toward equality, we’d like our LGBTQ students to know that Hofstra is on your side. We always welcome feedback and suggestions for how we can do better; don’t hesitate to stop by or email the MISPO office at MISPO@hofstra.edu

Guest Blogger: Jason Schaefer
Second Year Graduate Student in Mental Health Counseling
LGBTQ Program Specialist, MISPO

Jamaican Flavors of our Neighborhood

The American journalist, Mark Kurlansky, put it best when he said, “Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a culture.”

This is why Anita Ellis, director of Hofstra University’s Office of Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services was excited to team up with the Office of Multicultural and International Student Programs this past week to celebrate Black History Month with another “Flavors of our Neighborhood” event.

This month, about 22 Hofstra students shared stories and laughs over Jamaican cuisine. The delicious meal was ordered from Sam’s Marketplace, a local restaurant of Hempstead, NY that can supply all of your Jamaican grocery needs and dining desires. This group of diverse students tried a fried whiting fish meal with a side of Jamaican beef patties and chicken-vegetable patties. For dessert, classic Jamaican biscuit cookies and a Caribbean favorite, banana chips, were offered. The meal was tropically delicious down to the drink, with a choice of pineapple or Jamaican ginger beer soda.

As tasty as this all was, the day wouldn’t be complete without some cultural knowledge to feed the students’ minds along with their appetites. For this reason, Novia Whyte of Residential Programs (and an international student alumni of Jamaica herself), was invited to join and share both historical and present-day information on her beloved island. The students left with a new found knowledge on Jamaica’s political system, cultural traditions, and an interest in visiting. Many of the students, specifically the ones that were from China, were happy to notice similarities between Jamaican cuisine and the cuisine of their own culture. It was exciting to converse about how these similarities came to be, as many seemingly different cultures actually have intertwining historical roots.

Overall, “Flavors of Our Neighborhood” was a successful event where Black History was honored, Jamaica was celebrated, and the local gem, Sam’s Marketplace, was appreciated.

If you have yet to experience this complimentary series of community, dining, and multicultural fun, be sure to not miss the next opportunity, which will be on Friday, April 19! Contact the Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services or Office of Multicultural and International Student Programs for more details.

Guest Blogger: Joanna Soares, Class of 2016