NERON SIMPSON & LEANA SHARPE
Special to The Leader
The contrast between the town of Fredonia and any Caribbean country is evident, to say the least. Cold, frigid temperatures compared to warm and humid climates seem to stand out most.
As students of Caribbean descent, we oftentimes are reminded of the cultural and physical differences between both environments as we progress through our education at Fredonia.
For one, the food. Of course, coming into college one should not expect the food to taste exactly like home. With a large population of students from various cultural backgrounds and dietary conditions, it can be a challenge to provide for everyone.
From a Jamaican point-of-view, however, it would be nice to see some island staples offered in dining halls such as rice and peas (with red kidney beans, not actual peas), pepper pot soup and festival, which is fried bread.
Would these taste good given the limited ingredients available in the area? That depends on who you ask, but with enough practice and patience, anyone can perfect these dishes. Students at least deserve the option.
To continue, we have to talk about art. Of course, being Caribbean isn’t just about the food, as our cultures are also notable for possessing many talented and hardworking artists. So why don’t we see more on campus?
In doing some research on Fredonia’s website and event archives, previous Caribbean writers who were featured on campus were West-Indian poet and pianist Michelle Whittaker in 2019 — who published her first poem in The Leader — Caribbean-American poet Shara McCallum in 2011, and science fiction and fantasy writer Nalo Hopkinson in 2008. For a region that is somewhat underrepresented in regards to literature, it would be nice to invite more Caribbean voices to speak on their work and inspirations on campus.
The Marion Art Gallery does a wonderful job showcasing artists that many students have not seen before. However, it would be interesting if the gallery reached out to Cuban, Dominican, Antiguan, Haitian, Bahamian, St. Lucian, Trinidadian and Guyanese artists, for example, to display their work within the gallery. It would help to spark conversations, widen perspectives and inspire students in their goals and aspirations.
Being a Caribbean student in Fredonia for us has not felt particularly different, but representation wise, it is noticed what is missing. Hopefully in the near future, some of these suggestions are implemented.
In the meantime however, Caribbean Student Association, a student club on campus, is helping to bridge these gaps on campus. One of the recurring programs we offer is “Caribbean Artist Highlight,” which highlights a visual artist of Caribbean heritage, while students participate in an art activity. Artists have included Jamaican painter Albert Huie and Guyanese poet Grace Nichols.
Previously, the club has hosted an open mic night in Tim Hortons, and bowling at Lucky Lanes. One of the more iconic events, however, is the gala held near the end of each semester. It features various Caribbean dishes as well as music and prizes.
Overall, CSA is a welcoming environment to all students on campus to celebrate and become more educated about Caribbean culture, and one does not have to be Caribbean to join, despite the misconception.
On one final note, CSA is looking for students to join their executive board. The positions available include vice president, secretary and public relations chair. If you are interested in any of those positions, please email nsimpson@fredonia.edu with a letter of intent explaining why you would like that position as well as relevant traits or experience to make you qualified.
Leana Sharpe and Neron Simpson are both affiliated with Caribbean Student Association’s executive board.