The Good 5 Cent Cigar

Issue date: 9/26/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Meghan Vendettoli Pauochau Brown-Paul of the Narragansett Indian Tribe sings during the Fiesta held outside the Multicultural Center yesterday afternoon.

9/26/06 - In the midst of an average Monday afternoon, University of Rhode Island students heard music blasting from the Multicultural Center. Drawn in by the loud music and flurry of activity, a crowd gathered to watch the Fiesta de Diversidad take place.

Organized by the Diversity Week Committee, which is comprised of URI professors and students, the Fiesta kicked off the 10th annual Diversity Week at noon.

"There is never enough diversity," Judy Van Wyk, co-chair of the Diversity Week Committee and professor of sociology and anthropology, said. "Diversity adds a richness to education."

The event presented the Brazilian Cape Verdean Capoeira Club, the URI Breakdancing Club and members from the Narragansett Indian Tribe. Each group performed dances or songs related to diversity issues.

"Diversity Week is supposed to increase diversity awareness," Jumoke Akinrimisi, a junior, said. "It's for everyone to enjoy and get information on awareness."

Akinrimisi said that she had been to open-mic nights and seen documentaries for Diversity Week before, and that it opened her eyes.

"You don't realize how much of a tunnel vision you have until you see other points of view," Akinrimisi said.

The Cape Verdean Capoeira Club performed animated dances, cartwheels and martial arts-style moves. One member performed somersaults for a cheering audience.

"I came to see the Cape Verdean group," said Nicole Afonseca, a freshman. "I'm Cape Verdean, so I came here to celebrate my people. It's a great thing."

Afonseca said she was also going to attend the poetry slam on Wednesday night.

"It's a really good idea to have Diversity Week on campus," Stephanie Goncalves, also a freshman, said. "It's great to get to know other people's cultures and backgrounds."

By 12:30 p.m., an even larger crowd gathered in front of the Multicultural Center when the URI Breakdancing Club began its performance with smooth moves and skill. The group even took time to pose for the cameras while doing handstands and helicopters.

Members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe concluded the event with traditional songs, dances and dress. Some members were clad in traditional fringed garments or carried fringed bags and feathers.

The group performed using drums and maracas and adding harmonizing melodies. They sang such traditional songs as the "Sunshine Song," a song of the children, and "The Traveling Song."

The tribe also performed traditional dances, such as "The Fancy Shawl" where one member donned a white shawl with colorful appliqués and fringe that is supposed to imitate a butterfly.

The tribe ended its performance with a song to thank the creator for "the sky, the earth, everything."

"We would like to get more student involvement," Van Wyk said. "Diversity week is only once a year and we hope it spills out to the rest of the year. Student involvement and input is important."

For more information on this week-long event, visit the Multicultural Center's Web site at www.uri.edu/mcc/DiversityWeek/2006.

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