Block Party 2023
Eighteenth Annual
Multicultural Student Services Center
Block Party 2023
Friday, September 22nd
4:00 - 8:00 PM
University Yard
Every year since September of 2004, the George Washington University (GW) Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) has hosted the MSSC Block Party, a community-wide gathering of faculty, staff, alumni, and students who celebrate diversity and inclusion. Please join us for information sharing, community building, music, culture, dancing, and fun.
We are partnering with the Division for Student Affairs and the Office of Student Life to bring more than 120 Multicultural & Ally student organizations and select departments to this annual celebration.
The purpose of the Block Party is to ensure that first-year, second-year, and transfer students feel welcomed, connected, and have a strong sense of belonging to the GW community. As established faculty and staff, you are also "family" here. The "MSSC" is both a physical and philosophical "Home Away from Home" for hundreds of students from every background and identity each year and thousands of GW Alumni of color over the years. Join us for an incredibly relational eighteenth-year tradition.
Tentative Schedule:
4:05 PM - 5:30 PM
Cultural/Art-Based Performances
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
MGC & NPHC Organizations Performances
Student Organizations:
The list below is not an exhaustive list of multicultural student organizations on campus, it represents only those orgs who signed up to participate in the Block Party.
- Cultural Performers
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GW Raas
GW Raas is a competitive co-ed dance team based out of The George Washington University that specializes in Raas Garba, a seasonal folk dance originating from Gujarat, India. We represent the university at several competitions each year around the U.S., from New Jersey to Maryland to California to Texas. We compete for a chance to qualify for and represent GW at the national competition. In addition, we also perform at on- and off-campus events in the greater DC area and promote multiculturalism. GW Raas is not only a dance team, but a family.
Contact us at [email protected]
District K
District K is GW's first and only Korean pop dance club. We aim to spread our love for Korean culture, music, and dance through performances and dance covers.
Contact us at [email protected]
GW Ballroom
Waltz, tango, cha-cha, swing: do any of these words sound familiar? At GW Ballroom, our school’s official Ballroom DanceSport team, you’ll be learning all about them in one of DC's finest collegiate ballroom teams! Our team’s goal is to bring together a community of people who are enthusiastic about learning and competing ballroom dance. Many of our current dancers, who joined the team with little to no experience, have been crowned finalists in many competitions across the country! GW Ballroom also serves as a place where students can unwind from their studies, have fun, and learn something new!
Contact us at [email protected]
GW Fuego
The George Washington University's first Latin dance team on campus. GW FUEGO endeavors to increase Latinx cultural awareness through music and dance, group unity, and the coordination of Latinx events at the university.
Contact us at: [email protected]
GW Chamak
GW Chamak is George Washington University’s only all-female, multicultural fusion dance team. Since 2002, Chamak has been representing GW’s diverse community through a blend of various dance forms, including Bollywood, Bhangra, classical, burlesque, hip hop, lyrical etc. We exist on the common understanding that dance is more than just movement- it is a way of life. This philosophy has allowed us to bring folk dances from India, Russia, Latin America, Armenia, Egypt, etc. right to GW’s community. Chamak performs at various events and showcases throughout the year. We start out each season with fresh ideas on how to promote a celebration of diversity through dance. We dance for laughter, we dance for madness, we dance for ourselves, and we dance for you.
Contact us at [email protected]
The Ethiopian-Eritrean Students Association (EESA)
The Ethiopian-Eritrean Students Association at The George Washington University (GW) is an organization dedicated to the enhancement of the Ethiopian and Eritrean community at GW and throughout the DMV. Our events are intended to showcase the rich and diverse cultures of Eritrea and Ethiopia, increase awareness of Eritrean and Ethiopian regional affairs, and contribute to the social, academic, and professional development of our members. Surrounded by one of the largest Ethiopian and Eritrean diaspora populations in the world, we also seek to serve the local diaspora community and highlight their unique contributions to the greater Washington metropolitan area.
Contact us at [email protected]
GW Folklorico
GW Folklorico’s purpose is to create an inclusive, diverse environment where people regardless of their background can be immersed in Latinx culture and learn the traditional dances of different countries all over Latin America. We also plan to create a safe space for Latinx students where they can express themselves through their culture’s dances.
Contact us at [email protected]
GW The Voice Gospel Choir
The Voice Gospel Choir is GW's premier Gospel Choir. To quote Psalm 98:4, TVGC is centered around making "a joyful noise unto the Lord." TVGC’s calendar is full of performances both at GW and in the community, and bonding events like bible studies and potlucks. Whether you grew up singing Gospel, are curious about this style of music, or are looking for more community and spiritual support, TVGC is the place for you.
Contact us at [email protected]
XOLA: Afro-Caribbean Dance Team
XOLA is a vibrant and dynamic Afro-Caribbean dance team that aims to showcase the fusion of culture, rhythm, and artistry. With roots deeply embedded in the rich traditions of the Caribbean and Africa, XOLA brings together students who share a passion for celebrating their heritage through the universal language of dance.
Contact us at [email protected]
GW Bhangra
GW Bhangra was founded in the early 90s, making us the oldest competing collegiate bhangra team in the nation. Bhangra, a beautiful traditional folk dance of celebration, originates from Punjab. We compete around the country, though most of our time is devoted to performing around campus in the GW community, and spreading awareness of Punjabi culture through the DMV area. We also perform at private events as per request.
We are not just a dance team, but a family, and we welcome people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and interests to add to our already diverse and fun-loving team. We love Bhangra and we strive to spread our passion for it everywhere we perform.
Contact us at [email protected]
The Philippine Cultural Society
The Philippine Cultural Society at the George Washington University strives to promote Philippine and Philippine-American culture and provides an avenue for community involvement and unity.
Contact us at [email protected]
- Greek Performers
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Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated - Eta Eta Chapter
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated was established in 1975 at Kean University in Union, New Jersey. We are the first and largest Latina sorority in the nation. Our chapter, Eta Eta, was founded on November 28, 2021. Our national philanthropy is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The purpose of Lambda Theta Alpha shall be to provide a sisterhood based on unity, love, and respect in an effort to foster the development of strong leaders who will then provide and practice political, social, and cultural activities. It shall also be the purpose of Lambda Theta Alpha to promote unity through charitable and educational programs, maintain a higher standard of learning and serve as a voice for all students.
Contact us at [email protected]
Theta Chapter of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc.
The first Latina focused sorority founded at an Ivy-league institution, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. was established on April 16, 1988 at Cornell University. The Sorority Founders strove to establish an organization that would transcend their collegiate experience and consolidate their strength as responsible leaders of the community. They worked diligently to develop an organization whose mission and goals would encompass the experiences of all women, but especially Latinas.
The Theta Chapter of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc. was established December 6, 1997. It is a Latina-based but not Latina-exclusive sorority that represents a tradition of strong, proud women committed to the three ideals upon which our organization's foundation stands - La Comunidad, La Cultura Latina, and La Hermandad. Las Hermanas strive to promote progress and development in their communities. They highlight the contributions of women and people of color with an emphasis on the Latina and other opportunities for academic and professional advancement to members of historically under-represented groups.
Contact us at [email protected]
Pi Chapter of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Psi Zeta is a multi-cultural, Asian-Interest Greek organization. We are a cultural, social, educational and community service oriented sorority. We were founded in SUNY Albany on March 23rd, 1994, and have over 32 sisterships across the nation. Sigma Psi Zeta was founded on the pillars of integrity, legacy, scholarship, professionalism, philanthropy, sisterhood, service, culture, community, citizenship, and activism. We are the first to be established on the East Coast, and the Pi Chapter is the first Asian-Interest Sorority to charter at The George Washington University.
Contact us at [email protected]
Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc.
The Alpha Beta Chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. is an Asian-interest, but not Asian-exclusive sorority founded on the campus of The George Washington University. We strive to strengthen sisterhood amongst women by providing service and promoting cultural diversity to our members and our community.
Contact us at [email protected]
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Nu Beta Chapter
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the first Black intercollegiate fraternity. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.
Contact us at [email protected]
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Mu Delta Chapter
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated mission is cultuivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards,to promote unity and friendship among women, alleviate problems concerning women and maintain a progressive interest in college life.
Contact us at [email protected]
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Theta Chapter
Our chapter is chartered at The George Washington University and Georgetown University. Our motto is "Friendship is Essential to the Soul" and we aim to empower and form a more perfect union of college men and empower the surrounding community through manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.
Contact us at [email protected]
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Mu Beta ChapterFounded on January 13, 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated was established by twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need. The first public act performed by the Delta Founders involved their participation in the Women's Suffrage March (March 1913; Washington, D.C.). Delta Sigma Theta was incorporated in 1930, and the women of this organization have never strayed from the mission their founders created, which is now their legacy.
Contact us at [email protected]
Xi Sigma Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is a community conscious, action-oriented organization with a mission to foster the ideas of Service, Charity, Scholarship, Civic and Cultural endeavors, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood.
Contact us at [email protected]
Gamma Alpha Phi Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, GrueΣome Gamma Alpha Phi Chapter. Chartered March 2, 2012. Principles: Brotherhood, Scholarship, Service Motto: Culture for Service, Service for Humanity
Contact us at [email protected]
- Tabling Organizations
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Click the document below for a directory of organizations, event diagram, and table numbers.