On Feb. 25, Moorpark College continued its Black History Month celebration, this time, bringing the Caribbean culture to campus. The LA Success Steel event began at 11:30 a.m. with a flurry of music, food and dance.
The LA Steel Orchestra kicked off the celebration with their renditions of classic and newer songs. The beat of the steel pans heard throughout the campus quad emphasized the importance of events like LA Success Steel in creating inclusivity and cultural appreciation on campus.
African American Male Education Network and Development (A2MEND) President Tyler Summerhill has a role in supporting Black students on campus by building a strong community, which expands the purpose of this event.
“This event is open to the whole school, so it gives students the chance of meeting new people, experiencing new things and experiencing a new culture,” Summerhill expressed. “Being able to get students from all different backgrounds invested is really what drives me and makes a difference.”
This celebration allowed students to explore the cultural significance of steel drums and Caribbean traditions. Former ASMC President Mary Poitier, along with ASMC Director of Campus Events Anjali Khashaki and Summerhill, led a history lesson featuring YouTube videos that explored the origins and evolution of steel drums.
Steel drums (or steelpans) come in many different sizes and are made from steel containers used to ship cargo. These instruments can play over 30 different notes. The instrument’s historic importance has led it to become the national instrument of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Khashaki highlighted the inspiration behind the event connecting to Poitier’s Trinidadian heritage.
“We are kind of continuing on her tradition, and we’re expanding on it even more this year by including the Caribbean food and making it more of an interactive event,” Khashaki noted. “I think that this event would bring a new perspective, good energy and a way to get out of your comfort zone just a bit.”
LA Success Steel created a sense of unity among students from different backgrounds as everyone joined together to enjoy the multiple aspects of the event. Students participated in and watched a variety of cultural activities, from live performances to Trinidadian curry, which was a favorite part of the event for many.
Amare Brown, a third-year kinesiology student at Moorpark College, expressed his excitement about the event’s representation on campus.
“Growing up, I would never think I would have my culture represented on my campus,” Brown stated. “I’m Trinidadian, so like I eat all this food like every single day, and it was kind of nice to have someone else make it and… to see everyone together and enjoy some music.”
LA Success Steel not only celebrated Caribbean culture, but also built a deeper sense of community on campus. Through music, food and shared experiences, students from all backgrounds had the opportunity to engage with and appreciate the traditions and culture of the Caribbean. Events like these continue to be a reminder of the power music has in unifying people and the importance of honoring different cultural histories which are ways Moorpark College embraces diversity.
More information about Moorpark College’s commitment to celebrating Black History Month and its support for the Black community and students is available on the Moorpark College website.
