College of Engineering and Architecture Hosts “CEA”-sons of Cheer Event

Howard University’s Ifetayo Spencer hosts its first multicultural holiday event. (Kailey Butler/101 Mag)

On Nov. 18, Miss CEA, Ifetayo-Michaela Spencer whirled into the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Innovation space ready to put together a holiday party. 

Spencer, a senior computer science major, organized the first annual CEA-Sons of Cheer, a multicultural holiday event for students in her college. Seventeen student organizations were invited, representing every minority group on campus along with a few engineering and architecture organizations. Nearly one hundred people were present for the festivities.

“I wanted to give that taste of home so that CEA students can feel that Howard is their home away from home,” Spencer said.

Spencer, a senior computer science major,  organized the first annual CEA-Sons of Cheer, a multicultural holiday event for students in her college. Seventeen student organizations were invited, representing every minority group on campus along with a few engineering and architecture organizations. 

“This event allows people to socialize because as engineering and architecture students we are always stuck in our studies,” said Spencer.

As representatives from each organization walked in, Spencer greeted them brightly and pointed them to where they could set up. Each group had a holiday-related activity, from icing cookies to ornament decoration to writing holiday cards. To the left of all the tables was a section where students could sit and eat food from every culture present. At the front of the room, DJ Miles was preparing to play music all night.

Amongst the 17 student organizations present were the African Students Association, Caribbean Students Association, CHANGO Spanish Cultural Society, Ghanian Student Council, Haitian Student Association, Nepalese Student Association, Omoge Dance Ensemble.

Originally from Canada, Spencer’s diverse upbringing taught her to appreciate various cultures from an early age. 

“My mother is Nigerian and my father is Jamaican. Before moving we used to attend weddings from every culture all the time, Spencer said. “When we came to California, I was able to experience more of that and I wanted to bring that to Howard.” 

Nearly one hundred people were present for the festivities. Music played and lines were at every table to participate in the holiday cheer. At around 6 p.m., representatives from each organization introduced themselves and welcomed everyone to the event.

All proceeds from the event would benefit Central Union Mission, a D.C. area non-profit that provides food and shelter to those facing hardship. 

Soon after, the Omoge Dance Ensemble took the floor and performed an afro-fusion dance set to afrobeat. The CEA-Sons of Cheer event was a rousing success. Students enjoyed themselves and were able to learn about all the cultures that were represented. 

 Ifetayo-Michaela Spencer had her sights set on leaving her mark on Howard’s campus. With this event, that is exactly what she did.

If you would like to contribute to the Central Union Mission, learn more here.