Testimonials, Performances and Dishes to Celebrate Ethnic Diversity

Self-discovery is one of the hallmarks of a Holy Cross education.

It makes sense, then, that a student organization is sponsoring an event around that very theme. The Multiethnic Identity Xploration (MIX) provides resources for students and members of the local Worcester community who are interested in the issues that mixed people (or multi-ethnic people) face on a daily basis.

MIX is sponsoring a two-part MIXsational Extravaganza on March 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Loyola Ballroom which will give students the opportunity to explore different cultures through a variety of ways. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased at the door. The event is open to all students at member institutions of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium.

During the first half of the event students will learn more about the ethnicity of various well-known personalities through displays of their family histories, and sample ethnic dishes. Jessica Jackson, co-chair of MIX, gave as an example the story of model and actor Tyson Beckford, who is both Chinese and Jamaican. Food from both of those countries will be offered at his display.

The remainder of the event will feature testimonials and performances by Holy Cross students of mixed ethnicity. In sharing their personal stories, students hope to educate others on cultural differences and issues that mixed-race people face regularly, such as questioning their culture and identity.

Learning to appreciate the differences among people of various cultures is the ultimate goal of the event.

“People with multiple ethnicities have to deal with issues that question the different cultures that make up that person. Sometimes being multi-racial requires that person to choose between different things, such as which culture to celebrate and which religion to follow,” says Jackson. “Many times, multiracial students have to face difficult decisions, like which religion to choose — their mother’s or father’s.”

MIX’s event will combine a serious topic with the fun of exploration. Along with the international food, participants will be entertained by performances such as Polynesian dance and Egyptian belly dance. MIX is still looking for students who are willing to volunteer to perform. For more information e-mail Jackson at jsjack09@holycross.edu.