Culture, whether we see it or not, is everywhere. It’s in my blood, it’s in your ancestry and it’s in our world.
Culture defines us as people. It’s an important part of life and identity. It defines your background and your beliefs. While it may seem like your identity and background are predetermined, due to where you may have been born or your parents’ identities, it’s not. You make a path toward your own identity through growing up, and especially in the years as a teen and young adult, you will find yourself and your own culture.
Communities are a large part of culture. It’s the people who share many similar views on life as you. Finding that community is a hard part of life, but in the end, they’ll feel like a second family.
My personal experience with culture is a bit different than most. I’m still unsure about what I believe in, but my ethnicities are a big part of my identity. I’m half Egyptian, and a quarter Japanese and Norwegian. Quite the mix, but it’s what I am.
I’ve always resonated with my Japanese background the most. It showed up in the food I ate, the way I thought of myself, how I interact with others and my spiritual beliefs.
However, my culture was not something I noticed until I was 15-years-old. Introducing students to their culture is something that makes multicultural week at Ida B. Wells a great opportunity. It’s the perfect time for youth to start thinking about their identity, and who they want to be seen as.
With each year getting better and better, IBW hosts a multicultural week in the spring every year to celebrate the many cultures that are a part of this community. What’s this year going to look like?
Each day of the week will focus on a different affinity group that exists in IBW. Until Friday, when the multicultural fair will take place, all of the many affinity groups at IBW will be celebrated. The fair will have a variety of food, drinks and activities to enjoy.
Affinities such as Jewish Student Union, Black Student Union and Asian Desi Pacific Islander will be a part of special events during the week, each with their own unique and fun days. You can expect this year to be a great multicultural week. To highlight the event leadership wanted to make this one bigger than it has ever been at IBW. .
If you have any interest in other people’s culture or finding your own culture, multicultural week is for you.
