Drawing on musical and artistic talent blended together with food and raised awareness to campus programs, Tuesday’s Multicultural Expo delivered a wide range of taste, entertainment and education to a racially diverse crowd of roughly 200 students.
“It’s a great turnout, and we’ve got all types of great food for everyone to taste,” said Laura Terry, event organizer and director of multicultural affairs.
The expo began with presentations from the SORC, Disability Services, the ARC, and SGA before showcasing a short skit by the Silent Bucs. More presentations followed from various campus representatives, including African and African-American Studies Program. The ETSU Gospel Choir offered a short musical reprieve before the Greek “roll call,” during which the black sororities were represented with a loud spirited cheer. “We’re here to represent the fraternity,” said Phi Beta Sigma member Sky St. Kitts. “It’s a service fraternity focused on service to the community and campus.”
The official presentations ended with a couple of songs from the ETSU Bluegrass Band and a bellydancing showcase by dancer Rachel Conde.
“I improvise all the time,” said Conde. “I just go with the music.”
“We’re here representing the bluegrass program at ETSU,” said band director Raymond McLain. “We feel like we’re in good company here.”
Students wasted no time forming a long line to taste the buffet of free food from around the globe. Small napkins and smaller plates held no one back as students of all races and nationalities mixed together side by side to score a free, tasty meal.
“Understand that we are all different, and we need to come together,” Terry said. “This was one of the best programs that I’ve had, and I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed watching the students interact before and after the program.”
Freshman Candice Lathan found the expo “educational” and, at times, “way entertaining.”
“The gospel choir was great,” Lathan said. “I received a blessing from it, and I’m interested in joining.”
The buffet line then made its wayto the booths and displays designed to educate about various campus programs.

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