A DJ who has featured on BBC Radio 1 helped a college in Ipswich celebrate diversity by playing music during a fashion show where students and staff wore outfits representing their heritage.
Angelle Joseph – who also hosts BBC Introducing that helps champion local talent in Suffolk – was one of a number of guests who supported an event called Culture Day held at One Sixth Form College (ONE).
This was the fifth time that this occasion had taken place and the aim is to champion equality.
Other organisations who supported the day included Aspire Black Suffolk, Ipswich Museum, Job Centre Plus, Karmartri, Outreach Youth, the chef Brian Powlett, The Latin Table and Volunteer Matters.
Additional activities included Chinese health practices and food that was sold on campus offered a selection of dishes from around the globe.
Lexie Jordan, 17, from Ipswich is studying at A levels at ONE and she helped organise the event. Lexie said: “It’s all about embracing everyone’s different cultures, recognising where everyone is from and understanding what that means to each person.”
Cass Herrieven, 17, from Leiston is also studying A levels at ONE and he worked with Lexie. He said: “It’s important for me as I’m half Portuguese and I’ve not got much of a chance to connect with that side of me – so having somewhere that is celebrating me and everyone else is pretty special.”
Ivya Scott is a student from the UEA and she was representing Suffolk Windrush. Ivya showed quilts that people had made relating to their history. She said: “This event is important as people get to know the contributions that people in their community have made to Ipswich, Suffolk and Britain.”
Jackie Ellis was representing The Hive and The Ipswich Museum. Jackie said: “I think this event is very important as there is a diversity of different communities (here at ONE) and when people learn from other cultures, it empowers them to interact better and understand one another.”
Angelle Joseph is a radio broadcaster and DJ. This was the third time she had attended this event. Angelle said: “It’s a chance to celebrate the diversity of the college. People have travelled from all over the world and now live in Ipswich. It’s a day where everyone can feel really proud and celebrate who they are and where they are from.”
Nyasha Mangoma, 17, from Ipswich is studying A levels at ONE and took to the fashion catwalk representing black Britain with her mum Sharon who was representing Zimbabwe. Nyasha said: “I think it is important to celebrate everyone’s cultures especially when we live in such a culturally diverse area of England.”
Ellisha Soanes helped support the event as a consultant for Eastern Education Group – of which ONE is a part of. Ellisha said: “Now more than ever it’s important to have cultural diversity within our lives and this event always gives everyone a really nice sense of togetherness.”
Group principal of One Sixth Form College Jake Robson added: “This is our fifth annual Culture Day, a celebration of belonging. It brings our diverse community together, allowing everyone to embrace both their unique identities and shared experiences.”
