OMA Celebrates Lunar New Year and Black History Month

By Nhan Phan, Lianna Yang, and Chengyue Zhang

The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) held a series of cultural events to celebrate Lunar New Year and Black History Month.

Lunar New Year

To organize the Lunar New Year celebration, OMA collaborated with Dining Hall Services, and families also contributed funding for decorations and snacks as well as 30-second greeting videos that were screened in the dining halls.

Sherry Hernandez, Dean of Multicultural Affairs, explained how celebrations for Lunar New Year have been a staple: “Over the years, OMA has partnered with Dining Services and Student Activities to plan an inclusive celebration of Lunar New Year.  In addition to having a menu that reflected the many countries that celebrate Lunar New Year, [Asian Student Program Coordinator Kerrie Tinsley] ensured that this same diversity was represented in the posters, decorations, candies, and treats that are typical of this celebration.”

Culture played an important role in the organization of the celebration. “Although the celebratory customs of Lunar New Year differ around the world, one aspect that seemed to be a common thread was the coming together of families to share meals,” Tinsley said. “The way we honored that custom was by working closely with the dining hall staff to create an experience that we hoped was reminiscent of home.”

“I also wanted to say that parents were an integral part of this celebration,” Tinsley said.

“It was clear that parents wanted to give their own students a piece of home during this important holiday; however, they also wanted to share a part of their culture with the Exeter community at large.”

Some students offered their thoughts on this year’s Lunar New Year celebrations. “I think the main concept of Lunar New Year, just like a lot of other traditions, is being together with family and friends and just having a good time in general,” Upper Enzo Nakornsri said. “I really felt that when with all of my friends, we had a feast, kind of. [It was] not big or anything. We went up to the second floor, laid out our food, and ate together, but it was really nice because I got to interact with my friends. It felt like home.”

Senior Gretl Baghdadi shared similar sentiments. “I was so happy when I got to Elm and saw all the people who would normally celebrate eating happily. I felt giddy and smiley for the rest of the night because the excess of food and laughter in Elm felt reminiscent of my home celebrations,” she said. 

Prep Jessica Phan also enjoyed the school’s celebrations, “I initially… didn’t expect [the school] to do anything. So I thought it was a very pleasant surprise that they made the food and then put decorations up and everything. That’s really nice.”

Phan was happy that her country was represented in the celebration. “I didn’t expect them to have anything about Vietnam at all, but they had spring rolls, which is one of the classic Vietnamese foods. Also, they have some posters on Wetherall walls about Vietnam and the Tết holiday, so I really liked it.” Phan said.

Students also provided ideas about how they think Lunar New Year celebrations could be improved. “I wish that there was a bit more dedication for celebration beyond food available to all students. My dormmates made dumplings until late into the night and that made it feel more like home, but I wish that [the celebration] was more built-in so that it didn’t have to take time off other things and get deprioritized,” Baghdadi said. “I know a lot of people who just came and went for the food simply due to the nature that schoolwork takes priority over celebrations.” 

“[My family] usually uses food preparation as a way to bring us closer and reflect on the impact of a new year on us so far,” Baghdadi continued. ”We make a lot of variety of foods from different LNY-celebrating countries which I felt was a bit underrepresented at the dining halls.”

Prep Davido Zhang thinks Lunar New Year celebrations could be more inclusive. “I would hope that the school could figure out a way for more students to join the celebration. On that day, I only saw groups of Asians gathered to celebrate. I think it would work better with activities that students can participate in.”

Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, OMA hosted a webinar series titled: “Negro: Pejorative. Outdated. Or Both?” with Dr. Patricia Davis of Northeastern University, Dr. Lamont Slater of Central State University, and Dr. Benjamin Wendorf of Quinsigamond Community College on Feb. 16. On Feb. 18, students could participate in a paint night, attend the Black History Month Gala on Feb. 19, or attend a dodgeball match between Athletes for Racial Justice vs. OMA as part of Black History Month observance.

Some Black students feel as though Black History Month is not being celebrated enough. “They haven’t done anything, a single thing, and it’s already February 13th,” lower Jodi Henry said. “I am so beyond frustrated and disappointed that the school is not doing anything.”

Lower Kalel Cuffe agreed: “On Feb. 1 the school made an announcement to say ‘Happy Black History Month!’, and since then, there has been no other mention of Black History Month.” 

“I’ve only had one thing during Black History Month from the OMA proctors, the hair circle,” Henry continued. “I also have one event coming up, but it is also hosted by the OMA proctors. I feel like the school is not really doing anything. It is mostly the students. But at the same time I think [the Academy] wants the students to do things, not them.”

Lower Akubah Ndubah pointed out a potential problem with the current education about racial justice: “The school just provides the space and sometimes the resources for self-education, but I feel that you get out of it as much effort you put in,” Ndubah said. “Especially if [people] are not actively trying to understand and learn about the racial, cultural and historical significance actively.”

Some students suggested different activities to increase the involvement and celebration of the Black community with ideas such as Black Artists coming to speak during Assembly and soul food mixers discussed. 

“I think the events could be more involving or fun. A lot of the events so far have been just listening and absorbing, but I feel like more chances to apply what we are learning this month would be good,” lower Solu Ajene said.

Upper Abigail Babalola recalled having a great experience at a dinner in Wetherell during her prep year.“They had decorations, they had biscuits, they brought in some fancy chef, and just for one night, I was able to just eat good food with my friends,” she said. “We had a laugh, we had a giggle, and overall I just want to see more of that.” Babalola would like to see co-heads of certain Black affinity groups become more proactive and communicate with the administration to make similar events happen.  

Henry thinks the school should have more diversity in the Black speakers they bring on campus and focus more on Black excellence rather than activism. “I enjoy having activists speak, and I appreciate what they stand for, but we need diversity in our speakers,” Henry said.

OMA’s efforts to help students feel at home on campus have been meaningful to many students as they continue working towards inclusivity on campus. “I think that OMA is doing a really great job … They have done a great job at least thinking about what students would want,” Phan said.