On Wednesday, Sept. 14 the D.P Culp University Center ballroom was packed with flags, banners, artwork, food and people representing the diverse groups that make up ETSU’s student body.
These decorations were a part of ETSU’s annual Multicultural Expo.
Each one of the myriad of booths present was there to both foster a spirit of unity and also to provide services and support for minority groups on campus.
Allison Heming, a representative of ETSU’s gay-straight alliance known as HEROES, explained the purpose of her organization and qualities that many of the multicultural societies at ETSU share.
“We seek to create a space where students can get to know each other and learn about events that impact the LGBT community,” Heming said. “We want queer students to feel supported on ETSU’s campus.”
The desire to foster community and educate others was a theme that was repeated several times throughout the night.
Alexis Morrison echoed Hemings words as she explained the purpose of ETSU’s Black Affairs Association.
“We bring African American awareness to campus and we want to inform people about things that are going on in our community,” Morrison said. “Really, we want to create unity on campus.”
After an hour of wandering through booths, browsing through artwork and getting henna tattoos, attendees of the event were invited to move to the main stage. Here, various student groups showcased their talents from Latin dances to traditional Hindu songs.
The gospel choir eventually took the stage, getting the whole crowd involved. Looking around the room it was clear that the Multicultural Expo had accomplished its goal. Students from all ethnic backgrounds were clapping along and smiling.
Ruth Nwauche, a member of the choir, was very positive about the outcome of the evening.
“Tonight was a great night to be informed of the diverse community at ETSU,” Nwauche said. “We really got to see everything ETSU has to offer.”
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