“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him… The people who give you their food give you their heart.” —César Chávez
Students and families from Jefferson Elementary School followed this wise advice from Chávez at the annual Multicultural Night held on Friday, September 13.Jefferson’s student body represents more than 20 countries. While some of those students are from DeKalb, many families have come from other countries such as Turkey, Sudan, Brazil, Bangladesh, or Vietnam.
All Jefferson students and their families, whether born in the United States or another country, were invited to share their cultures as part of the event. This event has become so popular with students and families over the last two decades that it was moved outside this year with a “block party” picnic theme. Several tents were set up with tables so that families could share a traditional dance, song, game, or information about their culture. A popular event feature has always been the potluck filled with traditional foods prepared by Jefferson families. Several local vendors also donated food as part of the event. Restaurants Vinny’s Pizza, Pizza Pros, Pizza Villa, El Jimador, Burger Naan, Rosita’s, and the Burritoville helped add even more variety to the evening's menus.
One popular dish sampled by many at the Sudan tent was Om Ali, a favorite bread pudding-style dessert with Egyptian origins. Om Ali was served alongside Karkadeh, the traditional hibiscus tea, a drink that reflects the warmth of Sudanese hospitality as seen in their culinary traditions.
At the Palestine tent, visitors were treated to Musakhan, a delicious roast chicken dish seasoned with onions, sumac, and olive oil, served on taboon bread. Several District 428 teachers from Spain were on hand to teach students what a ‘tortilla’ is in their country. In their country, it is more similar to a frittata than to a Mexican tortilla, with potatoes and eggs as the main ingredients.
The DeKalb High School Bhad Barbeez danced to welcome families to the event, and DJ Kuinton Davis kept the music going throughout the evening. The ever-popular fashion show encouraged students to dress in whatever clothes represented their culture, and they did not disappoint.
Families were treated to a variety of activities and food at the tents for the Dominican Republic, Myanmar, Angola, and Palestine. Ballet Folklórico ‘De Colores’ dazzled the crowd with traditional Mexican dance. The D.H.S. French Club ran a mini ‘Tour De France’ with tricycles, while the D.H.S. Bilingual Leadership Club played traditional Mexican ‘Loteria’ (bingo), and the D.H.S. Art Club painted faces. At the Brazil tent, District 428 teachers taught children about soccer.
Blessedbyzar had several hair braiding demonstrations throughout the event, and Jefferson’s assistant principal, Candice Coleman, took the opportunity to get her hair braided. Jubilee Artisans had a live art demonstration, with an artist creating a Jefferson-themed painting that will be displayed in the school as a reminder of the fun-filled event.
“Jefferson’s Multicultural Night is a cherished tradition that brings our entire school community together to honor the diversity that exists in our community,” said Principal Melanie Bickley. “It is a joyful reminder that by embracing our differences and celebrating what makes each of us unique, we create a school where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. I am so proud of our families' hard work and enthusiasm for making this year's celebration the most vibrant and inclusive yet."
