By Uri Butler
Staff Writer
The weekend of March 29th-30th, the Caribbean Student Organization (CSO) hosted two social events at the Drexel Center in Guthrie, OK and T. G. Green Park.
That Friday, CSO held their annual fete, this year’s theme being “Cool Breeze.” The fete, synonymous with festival or celebration, brought a unique Caribbean experience to the Oklahoma students. Having an all-white theme, participants lined up early to enter the gates in swimsuits and loungewear. Students were encouraged to throw powdered paint to decorate their all-white outfits.
In addition to the paint, a backyard pool was installed which the students used to throw each other in and refill their water guns. Apart from the activities, vendors served cultural cuisines such as jerk chicken, curry chicken, oxtails, peas ‘n’ rice and baked macaroni.
The international student body of Langston University makes up the CSO. Originating from countries in the Caribbean region, the mission of the organization is to bring awareness of their Caribbean cultural practices to the yard in hopes of bringing unity within the student body. The Caribbean is known for its vibrant musical festivals and nightlife, so CSO decided to bring a similar experience to Langston.
CSO’s president Trenae Rolle and activities coordinator Kendrick Kemp were the brains and brawn of making both events. “My favorite part was the energy that everyone had,” said Rolle. “Believe it or not, people were against the event and did not want it to happen. Knowing this and then seeing the fete’s turnout was the best part of planning it.” said Kemp.
Towards the end of the night, hundreds of people had attended the event, causing many of them to stay gathered on the wooden deck wrapping the outside of the building. With all the weight, the deck caved in, leaving students with minor injuries. Shortly after, the reserved time at the center ended, and people began to head home. CSO has since created a GoFundMe to help raise money to pay for the damages.
The next day, the CSO team planned a pop-up party at T. G. Green Park. Again, Students came out and celebrated with cultural music, line dances, strolls-offs, and pure good vibes.
Overall, students rated both events as an excellent display of student engagement and desire for more. “Everyone came together in unity and had a fun time. CSO needs no improvement, they’re top tier!” said Darian Dallas, a junior nursing major.
The CSO appreciates their members, staff, security, media team and disc jockeys for making both their fetes a success.
Uri Butler
Sophomore broadcast journalism major
