Reporter
On Nov. 14th, 2018, California State University Bakersfield held its annual International Food and Culture show to educate CSUB students about diversity on campus and promote cultural differences within the community.
The event highlighted student groups, faculty, and staff who prepared unique dishes in the Runner Cafe to share their culture with the campus. Food and drinks ranging from beef and bell peppers to apple-pineapple juice were served.
In the Runner Café, the food portion of this event served traditional dishes from different parts of the world, ranging from the Middle East to Nigeria. After the food was served, students were invited to sit outside for the Culture Show.
The Culture Show took place to showcase dress, song, poetry, and dance from a variety of cultures on the Stockdale Court.
Candice Livingston, a junior history major who helped coordinate the event, said “in America today, we’re pretty divided, so it’s important to come out with this event and show that CSUB supports everyone. It opens the student body up to not only other cultures but opens them up so they can be receptive to new things.”
Livingston was excited to see the performances and learn about different traditions students at CSUB have. “It’s a cool opportunity to show off a part of your life that you’re proud of. Not many people get to do that in a day-to-day scenario, so it’s cool they can do it here.”
Ibidun Adebisi, a junior pre-medical major and the host of the event, said she loved putting on this event because she “wanted the international students of CSUB to know that our school is involved and that there are other students who are just like them and that they aren’t alone on our campus.”
The Culture Show ended with students walking down a makeshift runway dressed in traditional garments.
Dressed in Mexican huaraches, a traditional Mexican poncho, a white skirt, complete with a scarf and flower braided into her hair, Zeltzin Estrada, a junior psychology and English major, came prepared for the Fashion Show.
Estrada said the purpose of this event was to represent her Mexican heritage. “It allows for people to see different cultures they aren’t familiar with,” said Estrada. Through events like the International Food and Culture Show, Estrada said it helped her “understand my friends’ cultures and become more familiar with their lifestyle.”
Throughout the night, students were encouraged to ask questions about different cultures showcased at this event.
Estrada summed up her feelings on the event. She said, “all anyone at a university wants to do is feel welcomed and included, and this event brings that feeling to students from different countries and cultures.”
