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OSU students return home with food, culture at International Bazaar
by The O'Colly
“This is big exposure for us,” Mohammed said. “Mostly Africa is not portrayed in the positive light. But we have our food here. Some of us have our national cultural dresses. People seem them and they’re like, ‘Who are these people?’ Then we talk about it. It makes us feel included.”
Saani Mohammed stands in traditional Ghanaian attire, below a connected banner of international flags and basks in the exposure for his country.
Finally, he feels seen, he said.
Not just a statistic or body walking across Oklahoma State University’s campus. Mohammed finally acted as if he was home. He was. Kinda.
OSU’s International Student Organization hosted its annual International Bazaar, a threehour fun fest filled with dozens of global foods, strong flavor and music, on Saturday afternoon in the Wes Watkins Center.
More than 200 students and Stillwater residents bounced from 12 booths and sampled deserts and entrees from more than 12 countries or regions.
It’s times like Saturday that show food and community can bring people together.
“The purpose of today is to show Stillwater community the diversity of international students that we have here on campus,” Salome Suarez, International Student Organization president said. “Each area club has prepared different dishes from their own country. We want everybody to see how the dishes are from other parts of the world.”
Foods ranged from the Bangladeshi students’ tandoori chicken to the Latino American students’ cheese empanadas. Lots of desert, too. Within hours, the exhibit hall transformed into a multicultural kitchen.
Tim Huff, ISO’s adviser, said the event began more than three decades ago. It’s one of ISO’s five annual events and the purpose remains.
“It gives all these students a home,” Huff said. “They feel like they belong when they’re here. You can see them just relax and get into it. It’s very important to see the true nature and culture of these kids because they settle in here.”
Many of the foods appeared similar. Lots of chicken and different meats. But cultural differences appeared in the bite and the food’s preparation.
