‘I am UC San Diego’: Celebrating the Cultures that Connect Us

Intricate henna designs, the intermingling aromas of jerk chicken, pozole, ribs and collard greens, and the lively melodies of mariachi—Mexico’s traditional folk music—were just a few of the many sensory experiences that created a vibrant tapestry of culture at UC San Diego’s third annual Celebration of Cultures. Held at the Epstein Family Amphitheater on Dec. 4, the event invited members of the campus community to discover something new or find a familiar sense of home.

Geared toward staff and faculty, this year’s celebration centered around the theme “I am UC San Diego” and featured a diverse range of cultural experiences, including lunch and live performances from groups that included UC San Diego’s Polynesian Dance Club and Mariachi La Joya del Sur. The event highlighted and amplified the unique perspectives, backgrounds and attributes of the university’s diverse workforce, fostering a sense of unity and belonging across campus.

The annual event, which has quickly become a campus favorite, is made possible through a partnership between the Vice Chancellor for Operations Management and Capital Programs’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action (IDEA) Task Group and Campus Human Resources, Black Staff Association, Chicanx/Latinx Staff Association, Pan-Asian Staff Association, Arab American Association and the Intertribal Resource Center. 

One of the standout moments of the celebration was a powerful rendition of Stevie Wonder's "Do I Do" performed by John W. Rawlins III, a campus diversity officer and director of the UC San Diego Black Resource Center. A seasoned recording artist and vocalist, Rawlins—who has performed alongside renowned artists such as jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and Gospel icon Kirk Franklin—brought his soulful voice and deep passion for music to the stage, captivating the audience. With a career that includes performing on both national and international stages, he has shared the spotlight with renowned artists such as jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and Gospel icon Kirk Franklin. His performance at the event was not just a musical highlight but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and spiritual resonance that soul music embodies.

“Today, we come together to recognize that while we bring unique perspectives and diverse backgrounds, we are also united as a Triton community. We share a common goal of fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect and empathy where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed."

- Belinda Zamacona, deputy chief of staff for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

This year, the Celebration of Cultures welcomed new participants, including the Craft Center and UC San Diego Recreation, who brought engaging community art projects to the event. The Craft Center hosted a tablecloth-decorating activity inspired by The Longest Table, symbolizing inclusivity and offering attendees a chance to contribute their creative touches to a shared masterpiece. Recreation invited participants to join a community origami project, creating colorful paper art as a symbol of unity and mindfulness. Both activities enriched the celebration, fostering creativity and connection among attendees.

"This event is truly a celebration of all the wonderful cultures that we have here at UC San Diego. We know that there would be no UC San Diego without all of you. I love that we all come from varying backgrounds, that we come from different places around the globe, and that we can come together and share our love of food, our love of performance and our love of song."

- Terri Winbush, UC San Diego’s Chief Human Resources Officer