DeKalb elementary students celebrate diverse cultures

DeKALB – DeKalb students from Jefferson Elementary School recently got to learn more about the 20 different countries represented by its student body at a multicultural night filled with learning, dance, song and food.

Although some of the school’s students are from DeKalb, many come from families who immigrated from other countries such as Turkey, Sudan, Brazil, Bangladesh or Vietnam, according to a news release from the school. On Sept. 13, students and their families, whether they were born in the U.S. or in another country, were invited to share their cultures at the annual Jefferson Elementary Multicultural Night.

The popular event has grown over the past two decades and was moved outside this year for a block party-style picnic.

Melanie Bickley said the event is a “cherished tradition” that brings the school’s community together to honor its diversity.

“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,” Bickley said in the release. “I am so proud of the hard work and enthusiasm our families have put into making this year’s Multicultural Night celebration the most vibrant and inclusive yet.”

About 20 tents were set up with tables so that families could share a traditional dance, song, game or information about their culture. Another popular feature of the event has always been the potluck filled with traditional foods prepared by Jefferson families, according to the release. Food was donated to the school by Vinny’s Pizza, Pizza Pros, Pizza Villa, El Jimador, Burger Naan and Rosita’s. The Burritoville truck also was on hand.

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 karkade, a traditional hibiscus tea that reflects the warmth of Sudanese hospitality as seen in the country’s culinary traditions.

At the Palestine tent, visitors were treated to Musakhan, a delicious roast chicken dish seasoned with onions, sumac and olive oil, all of which is served on taboon bread. Several DeKalb School District 428 teachers from Spain were on hand to teach students what a “tortilla” is in their country, where it is more similar to a frittata than it is to a Mexican tortilla, with the main ingredients being potatoes and eggs, according to the release.

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, Angola and Palestine. Ballet Folklórico “De Colores” treated the crowd to traditional Mexican dance. The high school French Club ran a mini “Tour de France” with tricycles, while the high school Bilingual Leadership Club played traditional Mexican “Loteria” (bingo). At the Brazil tent, district teachers taught children about soccer, according to the release.

Blessedbyzar had several hair-braiding demonstrations throughout the event, and Jefferson Assistant Principal Candice Coleman took the opportunity to get her hair braided. Jubilee Artisans had a live art demonstration during which an artist created a painting of the event while it happened. The painting now will hang at Jefferson as a reminder of the event.