The Compass

Issue date: 3/11/08 Section: Campus Life

Shidarius Randolph (left) teases the mysterious student behind the mask Daniel Banks (right) as the Masquerade social gathering raged on into the night.

Mardi Gras came early at Gainesville State College when the Black Student Association, the International Student Association and the Latino Student Association held a Mardi Gras/Carnival themed Masquerade on Feb. 1.

"Music is important to our culture. Music and dance together is apart of who we are. We thought it would be a good kick off to black history month," said Andre Cheek, International Services coordinator. Cheek said an estimate of 125 people attended the social mixer.

Cheek helped with ticket taking at the door as well as planning and decorations.
The event was coordinated by Tashiana Cheeks, advisor of the International Student Association. It included samba music from Jazz Baptiste Productions, a buffet of Caribbean food and drinks, a DJ, a slide show displaying the history of Mardi Gras and Carnival, a Capoiera performance and the crowning of a King and Queen of Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras was chosen by Cheeks as the theme to show that "there's so much more history for African Americans than in Africa." The slide show proved her point by showing Mardi Gras' origin in Mobile, Al.

The crowned Queen, Alejandra Eguiluz, a biology major received a tiara. The King, Lucas Linhares, an architect major, received a sceptor. The King and Queen were chosen by audience applause.

Among the student attendee's at the event was Franco Chevalier, treasurer of the International Student Association.

"In my country we celebrate it (Mardi Gras) for Independence Day," said Chevalier who was born in the Dominican Republic.

Chevalier helped with the colorful decorations in the CE building atrium and helped take tickets at the door. As an attendee he said he was the most excited about learning the samba dance.

Louis Negron, advisor of the Latino Student Association, also had his hand in planning the event.

"This helps tie in the culture of Africa," Negron said about hosting a Mardi Gras themed social mixer. Cheeks and Negron both said they wanted to celebrate different cultures within the United States and show another aspect of Mardi Gras.

Negron also mentioned that he was "looking forward to seeing everyone in unison to have a celebration."

GSC President, Martha Nesbitt attended the event to meet with students and club members.
"It's a nice mixture of fun and learning," Nesbitt said of the Masquerade. She also expressed excitement about the other upcoming events for Black History Month.
The Mardi Gras Masquerade lasted until midnight and all the money made from the event was put back into the club funds.
The Capoiera was performed by University of Georgia students. The dance is based on fighting and was invented in Brazil by African slaves.

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