UA students will have a chance to witness campus diversity firsthand through a series of cultural performances on Thursday.
The ONE Love Multicultural Showcase, hosted by Theta Nu Xi sorority, will feature students of different cultures and lifestyles expressing themselves through art performances. Now in its 12th year, the event will consist of 12 to 15 shows of cultural expression.
Students are encouraged to attend and enjoy both traditional and non-traditional art forms, including a drag show put on by one of the students.
“Incorporating social justice is one of the tenets of our sorority,” said Geneva Baruelo, a senior studying molecular and cellular biology and a member of Theta Nu Xi. “The world is moving toward a more inclusive atmosphere, so we’re trying to make the event as inclusive as possible.”
Other acts will include a performance of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” by Theta Nu Xi, Omega Delta Phi, Gamma Alpha Omega, Lambda Theta Alpha and Delta Lambda Phi, who are calling themselves “Greek Choir.”
Theta Nu Xi is also trying to include different cultural centers in the event. One of the groups that will speak at the event is Movimiento Estudiantil Chican@ de Aztlán, a student club that pushes for higher education among the Hispanic population. The club, an offshoot of a national organization, also advocates against prejudices such as racism, homophobia and sexism.
Ana Islas, an undeclared sophomore and member of M.E.Ch.A., said the campus chapter is becoming active again this year and will be recruiting members at the event.
“We’ll be at the event to promote our group,” Islas said. “We are going to talk about what we stand for and see if anyone is interested in joining.”
M.E.Ch.A. members will also talk about upcoming events the program will be a part of.
Theta Nu Xi is expecting about 150 people to show up for the ONE Love Multicultural Showcase. There will be free food and drinks, including pizza, cookies and sub sandwiches.
“The University of Arizona and Tucson tend to feel big, and people tend to clump into certain groups,” said Mallory Corrus, a political science junior and one of the coordinators of the event. “The [event] will be a way to open them up in a way that isn’t overwhelming.”
If you go:
ONE Love Multicultural Showcase
Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m.
Modern Languages building, room 350
