‘Jamaica Culture Hour’ at Columbia University
NEW YORK — A ‘Jamaican Culture Hour’ was presented recently at International House, Columbia University in New York City.
The event was organised by Nyasha Griffiths, a Jamaican national who is currently pursuing a graduate degree in social work at the university, with the help of the International House organisation.
“I wanted to present an insider’s view of my country, especially to those who have been exposed to superficial representations of Jamaica and her people,” Griffiths said.
Guests were treated to a medley of the country’s folk and gospel songs performed by Jamaican singer, Dawn Samuels, and Griffiths led the largely international audience in a Patois speaking competition and demonstrated a few of Jamaican dances.
Footage was also shown from a variety of tapes produced by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTC) and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).
In addition, displays depicting various aspects of Jamaican history and culture were set up.
“It was a wonderful experience showing more of the Jamaican culture than one usually sees in the media,” Griffiths said at he end of the programme.
International House is a non-profitable organisation, which seeks to provide students of different nationalities and diverse cultures with the opportunity to live and learn together in a community of mutual respect, understanding and international friendship.
The house in which Griffiths lives houses approximately 700 students who hail from over 100 different countries. There are 14 International Houses scattered throughout Australia, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and Taiwan.