News Release

Culture Fest at Johns Hopkins University's Homewood campus returns Thursday, Nov. 8, with a weeklong schedule of events designed to recognize and promote understanding about cultures from around the world. The 15th annual student-run event features a variety of events and activities, including music, ethnic food, films, discussions and a speech by noted author and civil rights activist Lani Guinier.

Paul Richie and Nikole Benders are co-directors of Culture Fest 2001, the theme of which is, "Identify. Relate. Construct."

"The idea is to identify your own culture and then you relate to another culture, learn about it," said Richie, a sophomore philosophy major from Waco, Texas. "They learn about you and your culture and then eventually you construct a new culture."

Goals of Culture Fest include developing a cross-cultural understanding and unity, to build a sense of community and to celebrate culture and diverse communities. All events, except the closing day banquet, are free and open to the public.

The following is a schedule of events:

Thursday, Nov. 8
7 p.m. Opening ceremonies in the Glass Pavillion.
8 p.m. Lani Guinier, author, scholar and civil rights activist, speaks in Shriver Hall.

Friday, Nov. 9
8 p.m. Culture showcase, featuring traditional and modern cultural performances from a variety of student groups. Shriver Hall.
10 p.m. Unity party in the Great Hall of Levering Hall.

Monday, Nov. 12
8 p.m. Cultural booths and an opportunity to learn about and discuss different cultures in a coffeehouse setting. E-level of Levering Hall.

Tuesday, Nov. 13
4 p.m. International Food Court at the Glass Pavilion. Sample various cultural cuisines from around the world.

Wednesday, Nov. 14
8 p.m. Jazz and poetry slam with Galen Abdur-Razzaq, a jazz flutist. Mattin Center Café.

Thursday, Nov. 15
12 noon. Showing of a documentary about what it's like to be a black student at Hopkins A discussion follows this short film. Arellano Theatre.

Friday, Nov. 16
3 p.m. African Students Association workshop. Video, discussion, music.
5 p.m. Japanese Students International

Saturday, Nov. 17
6 p.m. Closing Banquet. Cost: $15. Glass Pavilion