The Student Government Association (SGA) International Culture Committee (ICC) will be hosting their first event this week Thursday, Feb. 27 at 9 pm outside of Dusty’s. They are collaborating with the student activities board to offer free cultural desserts during trivia night.
Makayela Payne, SGA senior senator and the ICC chair, sent out a form in late January asking students to request desserts for this table. Since then, the committee has had multiple requests and made a list of what will be available for the night.
“Expect a surprise and a lot of sweets with some variety of things that some people have never tried. From our list, we have Vietnamese, British, Filipino, and Hispanic desserts.”
They will also be offering cultural drinks, and each dessert will have a full list of ingredients for those with food allergies.
The ICC was founded in the fall trimester of 2024, with Payne founding and establishing the committee. The ICC seeks to represent international students and various cultures across campus.
“I noticed the abundance of international students we have. I wanted them to have this space and feeling of inclusivity, because it’s hard to adjust to certain areas where you are not familiar with, and I really wanted them to feel safe and included,” Payne said.
The committee works as a way for both international students and students from different backgrounds and cultures to share a space. Payne came up with the idea when exploring her own heritage and culture.
“I started this committee because I’m Native American, Nigerian, and white. I know nothing about my Nigerian history, I’ve been to pow wows and stomp dances, yet the other side of me felt like I was missing something. I really wanted to just dive deep into culture and see how I felt about getting in touch with my roots, from the African side of my ancestors,” Payne said.
The committee is not exclusive to SGA senators or international students specifically. All students are welcome to join the committee if they are interested. It will also be used to share any ideas or pass legislation regarding international students and cultural activities on campus.
The ICC plans to host more food-related and cultural events later this year, going beyond just cultural deserts and possibly having a table at Droverstock, but these plans aren’t set in stone yet.
“I would love for us to do a potluck of a bunch of different foods that anyone will want to try. I will be sending links out once the time comes and we are going to do our best to get some cultural booths where people can look at different jewelry, clothes, traditions, maybe some dance styles, and good food,” Payne said.
If you would like to join the ICC at the dessert booth, participate in the committee, or have any questions, email Makayela Payne at mpay0931@usao.edu.
Hayla Wilson is a second-year communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
