ROCHESTER, Minn. – This past weekend Mayo High School hosted its second annual Culture Night. Compiled by the Justice in Schools team. The idea came about when last year they hosted a culture day where students and faculty could learn about different cultures.
But the Equity team wanted to do something bigger where they could offer cultural dance performances and different foods. Some dances were performed, including Vietnamese, Ethiopian and Somali dances. One student says the goal of the cultural evening is to provide a more inclusive environment.
“I really hope that students will feel more inclined to show their true identity at school and know that it is okay to express your culture and highlight some of the parts that make you you,” said graduate student Helen Girma. “And bring that to school and it's okay and enjoy it and be in it.”
Equity specialist Yahya Ahmed says about 100 students volunteered to organize the event and that is why it has grown.
“I think we're building a culture, we're building a good reputation especially since Mayo High School does these kind of big cultural evenings,” Ahmed said. “Everyone from the city participates whether they are from Century, John Marshall, etc., everyone is welcome but usually our students from Mayo High School are the ones who lead themselves.”
Ahmed says that about ten cultures were represented this year and the goal for next year is to make more efforts.