After it’s beginning in 2006, Worldfest has become a permanent fixture in UC Blue Ash College, meant to celebrate diversity here on campus. Reading Across Cultures has also become a part of this tradition. This year, Reading Across Cultures was better than ever. It featured students, faculty and staff reading pieces about this year’s theme: human rights.
One of the most interesting aspects of this event is the reading of international poetry. Those at the event were able to experience poetry like that of Professor Jody Ballah who read a poem in both English and Creole entitled “Mari Gras.” Listeners were also treated to an ancient Inca poem read by Professor Angel Anorga, which he likened it to the “Romeo and Juliet of South America.”
Many other faculty and staff were involved, including our own Professor Susanna Clason who read an interview with Gloria Steinem about her deceased friend Bella Abzug, an activist against such things as the Vietnam war and an avid Zionist. Of Bella, she said “[Bella was] very radical in the best sense of radical- going to the root of the problem.” Other faculty involved included Chinese Instructor Professor Hung Koo and Biology Professor Frank Wray who read a heart-wrenching piece about child slavery in Haiti, among others.
Students, too, were involved. Their readings included anything from poems, speeches, statistics, and song lyrics. I was really blessed to be one of the students involved in this event. I must say, it was a really great experience and I suggest it to anyone who might be interested. It’s an incredible experience and I think each one of us can benefit from listening and learning from each other.