Unified Holiday Celebration brings together cultures; food, dancing part of night’s activities

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Johnny “JJ” Jones didn’t care who was looking as he and his partner danced Thursday evening.

The Detroit sophomore and his dance partner Comalita Murrell, a Southfield senior, fluidly moved and mimed behind their white masks and gloves, while bending their bodies to the gospel song of “I Trust You.”

“God blesses each person in their own way,“ Jones said.

The True Worshipers Mime Ministry duo was a part of Minority Student Services’ 13th Annual Unified Holiday Celebration in the Bovee University Center Rotunda. Between 200 to 300 attendees watched multiple cultural celebratory presentations, ranging from slideshows, poetry, games and dances. The cultures represented were Hispanic, African American, Indian and Jewish among others.

The mime performance was a Christmas-style worship dance, Jones said.

“This is just another way for our ministry to support (MSS) and this event,” Jones said. “I just love the atmosphere and being able to share different cultures. We are adding to the mix.”

Traci Guinn, director of MSS, said she hopes the celebration opens students’ eyes to other cultures and faiths and how they celebrate the holiday.

“We’ve been excited to see the diversity of the presentations range from not only holidays around the November (and) December time, but also throughout the year,” Guinn said. “We are excited that there is so much diversity going on.”

Several campus organizations had display tables set up during the event. The Indian Student Association’s display focused on henna tattoos, a design art commonly used in Indian cultures as a ceremonial art for wedding ceremonies and similar celebrations.

Between the entertainment were potato pancakes, southern fried wings and pecan pie, among other diverse foods.

Richmond sophomore Zach Byrd attended the celebration for the second year.

“I learn about different cultures I never learned about before,” he said. “I am partial to the Asian cultural events because I like learning about the Asian culture and their food.”

Guinn said sometimes people may be a little hesitant about learning about other cultures different from their own.

“We like to provide the opportunity in an atmosphere that in non-threatening, open, relaxing and just fun.”