“The Melting Pot,” a phrase that has encompassed the United States since it’s earliest beginnings, is also core to Salisbury University’s identity. SU’s demographics include Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders. This year’s Culture Fest, held on Oct. 4, was dedicated to promoting exposure of community among the different races at SU.

Salisbury University’s Culture Fest, a day filled with food, prizes and performances by various student organizations, has been taking place on campus for about six years. The Culture Fest is a student-led event that offers prizes for completing various tasks and engaging with the groups present at the event.

One SU student sitting on a bench enjoying a meal provided by the Culture Fest came for the traditional food items and to have a good time.

“I decided to come out today and I told my friend about it because it’s a good way to get involved, and they have free food, and very traditional, they have some traditional [drinks] over here,” he said.

Robert Chin, head of the Multicultural Student Services, has been with SU for three years and spearheads the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

“Yeah, our main focus is that we are a very student-facing support department and we just want students to feel like SU is a home away from home,” he said. “If there’s something else they want to do, like getting other students involved, we can help make that happen.”

Chin explains the intricacies of Culture Fest, from why the timing is important for student participation to how it helps students find like-minded people and a sense of belonging.

“The main motive behind Culture Fest is strategic: It’s around midterms, so we want to give the whole campus – because it’s open to faculty, staff and students – a break,” he said. “Come in, get some free food, and we also have prizes– to win those prizes, you have to engage with different multicultural organizations and clubs.”

This year, the organizers of the Culture Fest decided not to hire a band or performer. Instead, they asked student organizations to participate and host activities. The Organization of Latin American Students, for instance, hosted a bachata dance tutorial. 

“Vanity, a self-empowerment and modeling club, did an impromptu fashion show, which was very cool,” Chin said. “They invited anyone from the crowd to participate, and people could walk the runway and join in. It was really fun.”

Chin sends an impactful, heartfelt message to those who feel like they do not belong at Salisbury University. He recognizes the power of having a voice and understands how many people may not wish to speak up.

“There are students you walk past every day who are looking to get to know someone like you,” he said. “We’re all working through something, and you never know what the person next to you is going through.

“It’s very real. But a common phrase our students say is, ‘Closed mouths don’t get fed.’ Sometimes it’s just about finding one person, or maybe showing up at an organization with a friend or two and checking it out.”

I wonder what kind of events they will have for 2025? Maybe you should check it out!

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By JAMES HUFF

Staffer

Image courtesy of Jeremiah Goodwin