Oct. 22, 2004

VCU celebrates world cultures with 2nd annual Grace Street Festival

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By Malorie Burkett

From left: R. McKenna Brown, Ph.D., director of the VCU School of World Studies; Michelle Poulton, Ph.D., vice president of international programs, Christian Children’s Fund; and Robin E. Poulton, international consultant and former visiting professor in international studies at VCU gathered for the 2nd annual Grace Street Festival.
From left: R. McKenna Brown, Ph.D., director of the VCU School of World Studies; Michelle Poulton, Ph.D., vice president of international programs, Christian Children’s Fund; and Robin E. Poulton, international consultant and former visiting professor in international studies at VCU gathered for the 2nd annual Grace Street Festival.

Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of World Studies hosted the 2nd annual Grace Street Festival this month. The festival celebrated International Week at VCU and the many world cultures within the greater Richmond community.

During the festival, attendees also enjoyed different cuisines, live stage performances, an international film festival, strolling musicians, artwork and other entertainment.

“This diversity within and surrounding our campus is not a passing fad — it’s here to stay,” said R. McKenna Brown, Ph.D., director of VCU’s School of World Studies, which is part of the College of Humanities and Sciences. “We are now a part of a global flow of people, trade and ideas, and the festival gives a chance for Richmonders of all origins to encounter each other and celebrate our microcosm of the globe right here.”

Brown also said International Week at VCU gives individuals the opportunity to see how VCU’s School of World Studies is strengthening links with its neighbors and internationalizing the campus, curriculum and community.

For more on the School of World studies, visit http://www.has.vcu.edu/wld.

 Photos by Shirley McDaniel, VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences

Two-year old Leo Chen, whose family owns the Good Taste Buffet on Grace Street, also participated in the festival wearing traditional ceremonial Chinese garb.
Two-year old Leo Chen, whose family owns the Good Taste Buffet on Grace Street, also participated in the festival wearing traditional ceremonial Chinese garb.
From left: Trish Nunley and Jacqueline Meyer of La Mezcla Que Baila get ready to perform on the festival stage. The group is known for its traditional Flamenco and Mexican dances.
From left: Trish Nunley and Jacqueline Meyer of La Mezcla Que Baila get ready to perform on the festival stage. The group is known for its traditional Flamenco and Mexican dances.