Fort Hamilton High School is, in many ways, a microcosm of New York City, housing students from all kinds of cultures, ethnic backgrounds, nationalities and languages. On May 2nd, Fort paid homage to its cultural and ethnic diversity with its annual Multicultural Show, organized primarily by the World Languages and ENL department, where different ethnic clubs came together and celebrated their cultures through performances, music and singing.
“Culture gives individuals identity and also provides diversity to society,” said sophomore JinLing Cen Chow. “Just as ecosystems need different species, human civilization also needs multicultural coexistence.”
Chow performed the song “Feel Drunk for the Crystal Wave” at the show; as the song began, her body became one with the music, displaying the elegance of classical Chinese dance while showcasing the inner conflicts experienced by the song’s speaker.
“Events like this that celebrate and share culture [at Fort Hamilton] allow others to understand the beauty and uniqueness of your culture,” said Guan Cheng Chen, one of the singers of Eason Chan’s “King of Karaoke.”
To many, culture isn’t just about the heritage we are born into—it is a celebration of, and respect for, the differences around us, a way to connect and share joy with one another. The performances weren’t just a showcase of culture—it represented the heart of Fort Hamilton, where diversity brings people together and “makes them feel happy and wanted in school,” according to Josiah Donaldson, one of the dancers for “Quinceañera Vals,” performed by the Chicano Club.
“I believe that every culture should be shared, no matter the tradition or what they celebrate,” Donaldson said.
The elements of every culture, combined with a supportive and welcoming environment and creative souls, make Fort Hamilton a special place for students, regardless of their backgrounds.
