Though Florida A&M University is an HBCU, no one can say the university does not encourage diversity and cultural awareness on its campus. In fact, as a joint effort toward this end, the Office of International Education and Development is collaborating with the Global Students Union and campus recreation to launch the first ever Global Coffee Hour on FAMU’s campus.
The Global Coffee Hour will be a weekly event in which attendees are given the opportunity to taste coffee and food from other countries, as well as learn about those countries from people who have either visited or lived there.
“The goal is exchange,” said Jodi-Kaye Wade, a 22-year-old MBA graduate student from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who helped put the event together. “It’s an opportunity for students at FAMU — both international students and students interested in studying abroad — to talk to other international students and learn about different cultures. Plus try international food… It’s amazing what you can learn from good food and dialogue.”
The first meeting will take place on Friday at 5 p.m., at the recreation center across from the girls’ softball field. This week, the food and coffee will be Brazilian, and the presentations will be given from two Brazilian exchange students and Brazilian Fulbright Scholar. There will also be a martial arts presentation.
“I’m pretty sure they’ll talk about their experiences in Brazil, you know, living in Brazil, as well as their experiences so far in America… Being international, it’s going to be a refreshing opportunity here at FAM.”
The event is open to all, and interested parties are encouraged to bring friends.
“Hopefully, this will continue forever. It’s the first time we’ve had anything like it, but unless other people are involved and participate, it’ll die. We’re just trying to bring people together, you know, and bring coffee.”