Food, fun and music at Cultures Welcome Night gave NIU students an incentive to take a break from their studies and learn more about the importance of diversity on campus.

“This allows you to see different cultural groups that you ordinarily wouldn’t be exposed to,” said Laura Schon, a representative from N.A.T.I.O.N.S.

Despite a low turnout, students appreciated the event and participated by visiting tables of various organizations. There were students from many ethnic groups in attendance. Students were able to listen to music and eat ethnic dishes.

“I love this event,” said DuJuan Smith, treasurer of the Black Student Union. “It serves as another opportunity to uplift the NIU community.”

The Black Student Union was among many cultural organizations in attendance, which also included Latino Cultural Awareness Committee, N.A.T.I.O.N.S. and various Greek organizations. The groups allowed students to learn more about what they did on campus and address any questions they may have.

“This is a terrific opportunity for networking,” said Darryl Perkins, president of the Black Theater Workshop.

There also was a vendor at the event selling “Afro Honey Angelz” T-shirts that were popular for the females in attendance.

Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly was also at the fest.

Van Amos, program coordinator for the Center for Black Studies, said Eli Lilly was a major financial contributor to this event. The company was there recruiting students for employment.

The highlight of the event for many was a female hip-hop trio called Lyrisis of Chicago. The audience positively responded to their music by dancing and cheering for the artists as they broke out into freestyle and three composed selections.