The Eastern Regional High School gymnasium was alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of world cultures on March 27, as the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Expo welcomed attendees for an evening of celebration.
Residents and other community members gathered for more than three hours to experience a mix of cultural activities, food vendors, music and interactive exhibits.
This year’s event saw the participation of key community groups, including the Voorhees Arts Commission and the Voorhees Business Association, along with the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee. Among the notable attendees were diversity committee chair Stephanie Fisher and Mayor Michael Mignogna.
The expo – organized in part by Eastern’s Cultural and Diversity Club – has grown over the years with increasing township involvement.
“This year’s expo was similar to last year’s, but we were so grateful to have even more support from the township,” said Suhana Shyam, a senior at Eastern and diversity committee liaison. “We hosted new groups, which helped bring more awareness to our club and attract more attendees. We hope to continue this expansion in the future.”
One of the standout elements of the expo was the return of the Human Library, an interactive feature that encouraged open conversations about different cultural backgrounds.
“Last year, we introduced a more relaxed and inviting setting where people could engage in discussions about various cultures,” Shyam explained. “We set up couches in the gym with music and lights, making it easier for attendees to ask questions and learn from one another.”
The cultural and diversity committee played a key role in the event’s success by providing sponsorship support and setting up an informational table to share its mission of promoting inclusivity and representation in Voorhees.
“The (committee’s) support has been invaluable, and we are thankful for their contributions,” Shyam added.
As the evening came to a close, the impact of the expo was evident in the connections made and the stories shared. Shyam expressed hope that attendees would leave with a greater appreciation for the richness of cultural diversity.
“I hope that people walk away with a deeper understanding of different cultures, their beliefs, traditions and food,” Shyam expressed. “More importantly, I hope this fosters a sense of mindfulness and openness to the differences that make our community stronger.
“These differences should be celebrated, not discouraged, and we hope to promote more inclusivity among both students and adults in the future.”
