Diversecultures representing the Southern University faculty and student body gatheredon Feb. 24 in Pinkie Thrift Hall to celebrate the 4th annual Ethnic AwarenessDay. They put a unique emphasis on Chinese culture.
Once a yearthe College of Agriculture and the Division of Family and Consumer Sciencesacknowledge the different cultures from around the world. Their goal is toencourage the faculty, staff and students to focus on their ethnic heritage.
It educateddifferent ethnic groups represented by the faculty, staff and students oncampus. Participants also had theopportunity to showcase their ethnic apparel.
“It encouragescultural growth throughout the students and faculty,” said Doze Butler,associate dean of the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences.
The College ofAgriculture provides many culture opportunities for students to learn and EthnicAwareness Day helps make that possible.
The College ofAgriculture, with help from the National Science Foundation, gave students achance to visit other cultures and adapt to their lifestyles. Dr. Zhu Ning, professor of UrbanForestry, presented a slide show about Chinese heritage.
China makes up20 percent of the world’s population. China also plays a major role in the world’s economy through businessesand trades.
They alsodiscussed ethnic minorities, popular historical artifacts and major religionsin China.
Jimika Tery, a senior mechanicalengineering major from Shreveport, said, “The Ethnic Awareness Day gave me achance to hear about different cultures.” The students were actively involved by answering cultural relatedquestions for Chinese paraphernalia. There are many different cultures and heritages on campus and the EthnicAwareness Day allows students and faculty to become aware and gainunderstanding of those backgrounds. “It is beneficial to the students becauseit helps them to learn more about China,” said Dr. Yadong Qi, professor ofUrban Forestry.
Students andfaculty are encouraged to attend the next Ethnic Awareness Day.
