Caribbean Student Association Push for Community Through Isles of Enchantment Gala
The University of Maryland’s Caribbean Student Association held a formal gala with the theme of Isles of Enchantment on Nov. 16.
The night was filled with celebrating and expanding community among Carribbeans in the Washington D.C. area bringing together students, professionals and alumni.
CSA recognized those who have contributed to the betterment of Caribbean students through an award ceremony. The seven award winners include CSA students and alumni from this university and a UMBC student. Bowie State University, Morgan State University and UMBC representatives were also in attendance, including Morgan State’s Mister and Miss CSA, King Young-Bey and Makayla Gibbs, as well as Miss International, Kyla Pinnock.
The Rastudo Award was awarded to Maryland graduate Gabriella Lucombe ‘24, who embodies CSA’s mission by enhancing the Carribean culture and history at Maryland through programming and community service. Khara Basden ‘24 was awarded the cabinet award for embodying CSA’s mission as a cabinet member.
Famalay Award was given to Richard McHorgh ‘24 for representing the familial spirit of CSA by giving back to the organization and strengthening the sense of community that is important to CSA. The Presidential Award was given to Simone Benjamin ‘24, recognizing her leadership and dedication to CSA while spreading Caribbean culture throughout the community.
The Riddim Ryderz, a Caribbean dance group, were given the 1974 award for promoting Caribbean culture at the University and making a lasting impact in the Caribbean community on campus. Sophomore Alexa Taylor-Tune received the GBM award because of her support of the organization through her attendance and participation at general board meetings.
Many of the attendees emphasized the importance of having a community that felt like they were at home, particularly those who were born outside of the U.S.
“The whole point of having a Caribbean student association is to have a home away from home,” Makayla Gibbs said.
Many of the attendees emphasized the importance of having a community that felt like they were at home, particularly those who were born outside of the U.S.
Arica Sahibdeen, a junior public relations officer for CSA, , said since joining CSA she could finally find people to relate to in the university community. Sahibdeen is from Trinidad and Tobago and states before CSA, none of her friends were Caribbean, ultimately creating a cultural barrier.
“Doing events is a way for us to actually celebrate our culture,” Sahibdeen said.
Although CSA is often known for events like J’ouvert or other partying events, this event celebrated Caribbean culture, music and food in a formal setting.
Althea Grey-McKenzie, a University of Maryland alum and board member of the Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce and Enterprises in the DMV area, discussed how these integral elements are important to her.
As a Caribbean student on campus, Grey-Mckenzie found community through food, dance and persistence. She discusses a unique experience within building a community with those who share a similar background.
“For me building community starts with like opening up your hands, opening up your heart,” Grey-Mckenzie said.
Grey-McKenzie, like many of the members of CSA, believes that although CSA is a safe space for Caribbean students, connecting with students in other communities is also important.
Osbourne Lawrence, senior Mechanical Engineering major and CSA Co-President, drew attention to the separation on campus between Black organizations.
He calls for the different Black organizations on campus to work together and support each other.
“If we don't do that outside of it, whether it's Black UMD or culture on campus then we can't grow because we're only going to grow in our single spaces and not grow as a full community,” Lawrence says.