On Thursday, Behrend students dressed in their best to celebrate the 32nd annual Harambee diner.

​

To clarify, Harambee is not a celebration of the recently departed Gorilla that made headlines two years ago, but rather a celebration of community.

​

In Swahili Harambee translates to, “let us all pull together”. The celebration, hosted by the Multi-Cultural Council (MCC) is a way to bring students from all cultures in to enjoy an evening that celebrates diversity throughout the Behrend community.

​

MCC advisor Andy Herrera kicked off the evening by welcoming students and sharing some history of the Behrend event, explaining how honoured he was to advise the students of MCC. As each speaker gave their words, they shared a new fun fact. Elizabeth Malomo, the MCC President, and Karen Hor, vice president, gave the official welcome to those in attendance and shared a little about the traditions of Harambee.

​

Next, PSB Model United Nations President Ricardo Rodriguez gave the evening invocation. Rodriguez’s speech caught the attention of everyone in the room as he stressed the importance of diversity and comfort. Pulling the attention of the crowd to how fortunate they are for everything they have including the chance to experience Penn State Behrend. After Rodriguez wrapped up his speech, students were invited to grab dinner by Priya Patel, MCC secretary. As students were dismissed, they found a plethora of food waiting for them. Students were able to enjoy Behrend catering which provided an array of italian food, which included vegetarian lasagna, and chat calmly amongst each other.

​

After dinner, MCC representative of SGA, Madison Jerrell, introduced the event speaker Shinjini Das, the founder of The Go-Getter Girl!

​

Das is the CEO of Das Media and founder of The Go-Getter Girl. Das travels the country to speak to the public about becoming a go-getter, and her goals to bridge pop culture with intellect in modern media. She also runs several media platforms too, “empower her go-getters with actionable insights to empower their careers and personal lives”.

​

Her brand is two years old, she explained. “I got discovered by the media, and for me, that was a sign. I thought you know this is it, I got discovered, models only get discovered once. This is my moment, you know this is my moment!”

​

Looking down the road for her company, Das expressed her hopes of building a digital media platform. “I want my own...mashable, my own BuzzFeed,” she explained.

​

Much like what she hopes to encapsulate in her messages to fans, Das left the audience with her five tips to becoming a go-getter, first being to believe you are essential. Second, take care of yourself so you can help those around you. Third, plan ahead so you can inspire others with your work. Fourth, embrace, empower and relish in your loved ones especially your family, and finally, do not be afraid to overcome adversity and achieve your dreams.

​

Das was followed by a Brazilian dance and music group called Mestre Efraim Silva Brazilian Capoeira & Sounds. The music and dance group got the crowd up on their feet as they brought home a taste of Brazil. Students watched in awe as the performers created powerful rhythms using bongos, tambourines and other percussion instruments. Once the crowd was warmed up, the dancer started performing capoeira. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art dance, which combines fighting moves with dancing to create a masterful movement between two people. As the crowd engaged with the intense beat and flipping dancers, they were welcomed with one more surprise. Two women decorated in elaborate headdresses and bright dresses entered onto the stage, where they performed the samba.

​

As the evening came to a close Lydia Ogunjeminiyi, the MCC Treasurer sadly made some closing remarks and thanked everyone for coming together and celebrating the 32nd anniversary of Harambee.

​

After Ogunjeminiyi finished with her closing remarks students were welcomed on stage to take a group picture. So many students attended that many were hidden in the back unseen by the camera.  If that doesn’t show the enthusiasm of the Behrend community to come together, then what does?