MTSU’s Cultural Gala Celebrates Southwest Asian and North African Heritage
On October 5, MTSU’s Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) student organization hosted a lively Cultural Gala from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Tom H. Jackson building, featuring music, laughter, and a variety of international cuisines.
SWANA is a multicultural organization founded in September 2025, aimed at creating a supportive community for MTSU’s Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian students and their allies. Co-founders Tara Taha and Zahraa Alrubaye extended the invitation beyond the campus to include anyone from the African and Middle Eastern communities in Middle Tennessee, hoping to foster a sense of community in Murfreesboro.
Despite Nashville’s large Kurdish population—over 20,000 individuals from Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria—Taha and Alrubaye noted a lack of representation in Murfreesboro. Taha expressed, “We wanted to foster a community and introduce people to our organization.”
Alrubaye emphasized their mission to create a safe, secular space that highlights their culture and food, showcasing the richness of their heritage. The gala saw a strong turnout, with attendees enjoying diverse dishes like curries and shawarma, thanks to local contributions.
Guests danced the night away to Arabic, Hindi, and African music, which further enlivened the atmosphere. SWANA member Sana Kattiah, a sophomore, appreciated the inclusivity and community support. “Being Syrian, having a community of similar backgrounds makes you feel less alone,” she noted.
Taha encouraged students to engage in campus activities, advising those hesitant to bring a friend or attend solo, as friendships often blossom in such spaces. Both Taha and Alrubaye invited students from all backgrounds to join SWANA, urging those feeling underrepresented to consider starting their own cultural clubs.
For more information, visit MTSU Sidelines.
