diversity showcase recap

On January 26, 2024, Notre Dame hosted their annual Diversity Showcase. The event, organized by the student leadership groups Facing History and Diversity Council, showcased the different cultures and diversity of the school. 

The event began with the Night Market, an opportunity for small businesses run by Notre Dame students to market and sell their products. Vendors at the Night Market offered collectible goods such as bracelets, keychains, and tote bags. Food and baked goods were also sold, along with cultural foods including pani puri, a classic Indian food, and Salamat, a Filipino food.

After the Market, the Fashion Show kicked off in Julie Billiard Hall at 7 pm. Cultural clubs were able to display their traditional clothing and offered audience members to take a closer look into cultures other than their own. 

After the fashion show, the Facing History emcees welcomed and introduced the performers. Notre Dame’s Jewish Student Association kicked off the performances by reciting a beautiful poem. The Korean Cultural Club’s dance team performed an exciting and upbeat dance followed by Black Student Union members who recited a powerful poem about the importance of sisterhood. Notre Dame’s very own Head of School, Ms. Mathis, participated in presenting the poem! 

A talented member of the Chinese Cultural Club performed an elegant dance representing the club. This was followed by Japanese drumming, done by a student from the Japan Club! After, Notre Dame’s South Asian Student Association’s dance team Zamana emerged on stage, performing a blend of Indian classical dances. 

Then, the Muslim Student Association read a passage from the Quran, calling for peace in Palestine. The Polynesian Dance Collective performed a beautiful Hula and Tahitian Dance, and members of the Queer Student Alliance sang a song with a powerful message, demonstrating the struggles of being gay. The Vietnamese Student Association followed this with an elegant fan dance representing their culture. Then, the Filipino Student Association performed a traditional dance. A student from the Persian Cultural Club then recited a beautiful poem. Finally, Latinas Unidas closed the night with a performance from their traditional Folklorico dance group.

The annual Diversity Showcase always manages to bring a night of laughter, joy, and celebration of cultural diversity!