by Sifa Kasongo and Cynthia Ntinunu
The Center of Multicultural Advancement and Student Success (CMASS) held a “Cultural Connections” event on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2018 in the Campus Center Auditorium. This was the second time Cultural Connections is happening; the first event was held at the beginning of the semester.
Vice President of the Student Government Association, Natalie Amazan, reads a poem that they wrote. 
The UMass Irish Dance team performs Irish step dance. 
A few students jam out to music. 
Attendees gather in line to get food which included items like Peruvian rice, sushi, pizza, samosas, and more. 
Students sitting at a table talk amongst each other. 
A couple of students engage in conversation. 
The Students of Caribbean Ancestry(SOCA) perform a dance routine. 
A couple of students from Shaha: The Storytellers perform a skit that includes themes about racism.
All photos credits go to Sifa Kasongo and Cynthia Ntinunu
Cultural Connections is a time for students, faculty, and staff to come together and get to know each other better. It’s a time and space where people can truly be themselves while enjoying various performances, conversations, and of course good food.
Performances included poetry reading by Student Government Association vice president Nathalie Amazan, dancing by Students of Caribbean Ancestry (SOCA), a performance by Shaha: The Storytellers, and Irish step dancing by newly founded UMass Irish Dance.
The room was filled with friendship, laughter, and a mini dance battle between one student and faculty member. But most importantly, it was a welcoming space for all to come and leave their worries at the door.
