Students, faculty and staff at Clark State College came together on Nov. 17 for the third annual Culture Fest – a day dedicated to celebrating community, connection and the many cultures that contribute to the Clark State College community.
The three-part event included a Culture Fair, a “Longest Table” luncheon and a speaker panel – all designed to inspire understanding, gratitude and a shared sense of belonging.
The Culture Fair featured student and employee displays of art, food, fashion and traditions from around the world. Attendees explored diverse cultures and experiences through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
During the Culture of Care Luncheon, students and employees gathered for soup, bread and conversation during Clark State’s version of “The Longest Table,” a concept that began as a community project in New York City where neighbors came together by literally pulling tables into the street to share food and dialogue.
“At Clark State, we’ve adapted the idea to our campus. Everyone sits side by side, sharing a meal and stories. It’s a simple act that helps break down barriers and reminds us that we have more in common than we think,” said Nina Wiley, Clark State assistant vice president of student affairs. “It’s about connecting with one another — it’s about community. That’s what we want to foster here at Clark State.”
The day concluded with “From Hate to Understanding,” a panel discussion exploring the history of hate, its impact and the importance of being an ‘upstander’.
“At Clark State, we create spaces for students, faculty and staff to engage in meaningful dialogue around challenging topics,” said Wiley. “Culture Fest brings our campus together to celebrate and learn from one another.”