The Caribbean Students Association (CSA), Haraya, African Students Association (ASA) and SJU NAACP worked together to present the annual “For the Culture Party” on Sept. 27 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. The event, which celebrates Black culture and heritage, was located in Marillac Terrace and included food, music and live performances for St. John’s University students.
The evening began with an array of dishes that celebrated the global diversity represented at the event. Guests were treated to diverse food and drinks from various cultures, including Jamaican patties and empanadas. For attendees like sophomore Bailan Fagan, the dishes were not just a meal, but a reminder of home.
“I used to eat food like this for breakfast all the time back home,” Fagan, a Dominica native, said.
The event also featured student performances from Step Ya Game Up and Live Dance Crew which provided a fiery end to the performance segment of the event.
The event’s DJ then began to play a mixture of African, Caribbean and American music, while the crowd was encouraged to show off their flags and dance to represent their culture.
The event’s primary purpose was for Black students on campus to showcase and share their diverse cultures within a shared space.
“Parties are a strong part of the diaspora’s culture,” said Jeneé Raymond, president of Haraya, St. John’s University’s Pan-African students coalition. “A lot of black people can have a common ground to find a place to express themselves.
The event symbolized a sense of community. At a University where over 50% of its student population identifies as Black, Indigenous and people of color, these events provide a platform for students to come together and actively work to cultivate and maintain community for students on campus.
“Being on campus can be difficult for Pan-African students, and it’s important to find a place for community,” Raymond said.
In addition to bringing flags and other pieces of their culture to the event, attendees were also able to showcase their artistic ability. There was a banner where partygoers could sign their name, draw their flag or leave a saying that signified patriotism for their respective countries.
The “For the Culture Party” is just one of the many initiatives hosted by these student organizations that work to create safe and inclusive spaces for SJU students. Students looking to get involved with these organizations are encouraged to follow the organizations for future events throughout the school year.