April 5, 2022
Tallahassee Community College Office of International Student Services and the Student Life Diversity and Inclusion Office will host “The Melting Pot” A Cultural Festival on Wednesday, April 6. The festival is a partnership between the Office of International Student Services, the Student Life Diversity and Inclusion Office, and the Global Education Program.
The festival will begin with a Cultural Fair from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Student Union Lobby where students will have the opportunity to experience cultures from ten different countries including Brazil, India, and Nigeria. Music, art, snacks, traditional clothing, and items representing the various cultures will be on display. Student representatives from the visually impaired community and LGBTQ+ community will also be on-hand to share their experiences.
Students can learn about and create Aboriginal Dot Art and play NGAKA NGAKA, an Aboriginal Tic-Tac-Toe game. A Henna artist will be present as well, for students who would like a traditional Henna tattoo.
Following the Cultural Fair, there will be activities and informational sessions held in the Humanities and Social Sciences building from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Students may choose from the following sessions:
- “What are you?” with Dr. Jeff Liang (HSS room 107)
- Growing up as a multi-racial-ethnic individual wasn’t very easy, especially when you are an only child and your parents break-up, remarry, and have more children. It can also be very complicated when you do not look like anyone in your immediate family and your complexion is darker. Additionally, complete strangers will occasionally stand in front of you and try to guess your race, ethnicity, and/or your nationality. Once they are done guessing incorrectly, they finally ask “What are you?” In this session, Dr. Jeff Liang, will review some of the issues and benefits of growing up as a multi-racial-ethnic person.
- “Diversity Game” with Patrick McDermott (HSS room 108)
- This session will approach diversity in a unique way. This session will provide individuals with an understanding of their thinking style and how diversity may be addressed in a variety of ways. Despite the fact that the activity is a "game," it has an aim of addressing thinking styles preferences and an opportunity to discuss. It can aid in the development of acceptance and understanding of individuals who are different from us.