On the evening of 9 May 2024, Marc Garneau CI’s Black Student Association (BSA) hosted the first-ever International Night since the start of the pandemic. With tickets sold for $5 in the weeks preceding, the eagerly awaited event marked the lively return to cultural festivities, lighting the school cafeteria with vibrant performances, culinary delights, and a tangible sense of unity.

The atmosphere was electric as doors opened at 5:30 pm and students arrived in their colourful cultural attire to kick off the event. As the evening unfolded, the cafeteria transformed into a grand stage, hosting a captivating set of performances. Shortly after 6 pm, the students at MGCI showed off their diverse backgrounds through a dynamic showcase of singing, dancing, spoken word, and a score of other acts, providing them the perfect platform to express themselves and their cultural identities. Vibrant duos and solos showcased the depth of talent and cultural expression within the school community. The performances came to an end with a flag show, with students walking the stage in their cultural clothes and representing their countries. Following the performances, a dinner of rice and chicken was promptly served, marking the perfect conclusion to a night filled with cultural celebration and harmony.

However, International Night was not just about celebrating the diverse cultures at MGCI—it was driven by an important goal. BSA recognizes and advocates for social justice issues and strives to aid marginalized groups. They hoped to address the atrocities going on in the world by promoting peace and human rights, which is why a portion of proceeds from ticket sales were directed towards countries in need, such as Palestine and Congo. Their goal was to create an impact, utilizing whatever funds they collected.

Behind the scenes, the road to International Night was paved with dedication and hard work. Countless hours of rehearsals and careful planning were required to orchestrate such a spectacular event. Yet, amidst the chaos, bonds were forged, transforming the organizing team into a tight-knit group united by a shared vision. Reflecting on the significance of the event, BSA Vice President and the night’s Event Coordinator Indira Nandlall expressed her gratitude for the collective effort that brought International Night together by saying, “We’re so happy that our team pulled through and we were able to bring back a night that was such an important part of Garneau. I’m glad our last event ended off on a good note and the school got a taste of the different diverse cultures we’ve had here.”

This is the last event MGCI’s BSA will host for the 2023-2024 school year. International Night served as an evening to celebrate diversity and embrace unity in the school. Tune in to see what the Black Student Association has planned for the next school year, and check out their Instagram @mgcibsa to learn more about the club and catch the International Night Recap.