By Victoria Pevzner ‘24, Editor-in-Chief

Students, parents, and faculty gather eagerly around multicultural dishes at NA’s annual international dinner. Image courtesy of Newark Academy Instagram

The months between winter and spring break are notably hectic for NA students. During this time, clubs and organizations are diligently working to put together a string of events that will keep our community engaged and connected. The time between MLK day and February 15, known as the Month of Action, is the pinnacle of student and faculty collaboration. The annually awaited “Diversiweek” is the highlight of this month, spearheaded by the Equity and Inclusion team as well as the academy’s multicultural clubs.

Diversiweek is exactly what the name suggests: a week dedicated to celebrating diversity as well as increasing our community’s education surrounding multicultural appreciation and understanding. The week is an extension of the larger Month of Action initiative and aims to build on the social justice themes presented during MLK day. 

This year, Diversiweek began with the anticipated food sale. On Monday, January 22, the entrance to the cafeteria was filled with the savory scents of foods from all across the world. Students from HUBUN, Italian Club, Jewish Club, SASU, BSU, and ADC all brought treats and delicacies from their respective cuisines. These ranged from bubble tea to macaroons, samosas, scallion pancakes, and many more. The funds raised from the sale go to the Welcome Home Refugees organization. This program provides support for refugees and asylum seekers in the Jersey City area ranging from education, housing, dining, and assistance in integration, from helping clients find work to providing childcare and tutor services to local children. NA’s collaboration with this organization is a testament to our community’s commitment to giving back to those who need it most. The partnership is a mutually beneficial one, as it also familiarizes students with aspects of cultural diversity.

I caught up with Mehmet Acikel ‘24, a member of the Equity and Inclusion Team and president of the HUBUN club. As the coordinator of the Multicultural Food Sale, he played an integral role in the organizing of Diversiweek. The event, Mehmet says, “was a big success, raising around $600 in total.” However, his favorite part about this event is not just the fundraising aspect, but the enthusiasm that surrounds it: “It’s always amazing to see the pure joy on students’ faces when they try a new cultural dish and discover they love it.”

Diversiweek also included other events such as multicultural games and trivia. There were additionally several coalition-building activities which included the multicultural clubs and service council. Ms. Sarah Fischer, Director of Community Service, stated: “Personally, I think the coalition building and the fact that all activities have to be done in partnership is really cool. I love that we are providing students the chance to learn skills and then apply them.”

But the highlight of the week, the event with undoubtedly the most buzz, was the International Dinner on Saturday, January 27. According to Mehmet, the “International Dinner serves as a way for NAPA and NA students to connect and celebrate culture. Friends and families go to the dinner to enjoy the excellent food, music, and cultural displays where people showcase their heritage.” This year’s International Dinner was particularly impressive. Upon entering the Great Hall, guests could interact with different cultures through large booths. The booth run by Jewish-Israeli students and parents, for example, offered the chance to make challah, a traditional bread eaten on Jewish holidays. Notable booths included the Turkish booth and its delicious baklava, as well as the Indian booth and its intricate henna tattoo art, among many others. After checking out the booths, guests moved to the Kirby Gym where they mingled as they waited to sample global cuisines. Later, everyone got to enjoy cultural dances performed by NA students.

Overall, Diversiweek was once again a success. The event brings joy and connection to students, parents, and faculty. It is an example of our community coming together and celebrating our diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, since the week is an extension of the Month of Action, there is the opportunity to do good for others. Diversiweek is a unique opportunity for students to engage with one another and create partnerships that could facilitate service events for the community to experience in the future.