The Culture Fest: A Trip Around the World Event to End off Black History Month

To end the Black History Month program on campus with a kick, Culture Fest was held to celebrate Black culture in its totality. This was done with music, dancing, and delicious food.
After an initial realization that there hadn’t been a Black History Program in the last decade, all hands were on deck. This was to bring the students an engaging event that connected them to Black culture. The event was hosted by Darby Smith, director of the office of Community Outreach and Inclusion, in collaboration with Cedric Noel, director of Smith- Brown Memorial Union, and Nala Anderson, coordinator of the office of Student Leadership and Engagement.
Before this event, the collaborators planned a month of programming including events from Kickoff on the 1st, Zumba, a movie series, and alike. “We wanted to bring more of a culturally enriched and educational point of view. You guys have lots of fun events, but we would like them to be fun, educational, informational, and culturally enriching,” said Smith. The host delved into detail about her office’s desire to reach out to the community. She wanted to welcome them onto campus to indulge in all things Black love and Black health.
The vendors that participated in this festive event included Southern Style Bistreaux on the Geaux, Southern Café, Geaux Ride Baton Rouge, the student-led Elite Fashion Society, We3Kings Cultural Corner, and Royal Taste of Jamaica. Royal Taste of Jamaica sold oxtail, jerk plates, and rum cake. “We were very happy to come because students are the future, and we have to support the future,” exclaimed David, the owner of the restaurant.
Another fun addition was the performance by the Watoto’s of Kombuka. This increased the energy levels in the atmosphere, attracted students passing by to watch the talented African women perform traditional African dances, and invited students to join the dance.
Annessa Whitlow, a junior from Houston, TX majoring in Interdisciplinary studies, immediately participated. She finished with a solo. Having come from a PWI, she expressed the joy of being at Culture Fest on the last day of Black History Month, explaining, “I love it because I really need to experience this culture after coming from one.” I had a blast doing this with people who have been doing African dance, getting into their culture, understanding it, and experiencing it for a while!”
Another student, Nyla Thibadeaux, a freshman from Lafayette, La, described her experience at the event. “It feels good to be at an HBCU already; you feel the love and a homey feeling. If you came from that and you come here you’re still with it. This event specifically emphasizes that feeling.”