The Caribbean has a greater impact on all of us than just providing nice spots to vacation, according to a member of Binghamton University’s Caribbean Student Association.

Chris Williams, the CSA’s political coordinator, said students can experience the history and culture of the Caribbean while having fun at Culture Night.

“It is not your average night out,” Williams, a sophomore financial economics major, said. “Best of all, entertainment is only one feature of this event.”

Culture Night will be held in Mountainview College’s Appalachian Dining Hall on Friday, Feb. 27, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Advance tickets are $10 and tickets at the door will be $12. The doors open at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress up.

Culture Night is an annual event presented by the CSA. At the event there is a play that directly connects to the theme of that particular year’s production, according to Ruth Jean-Marie, CSA public relations representative.

The play, Jean-Marie said, humors the audience while also calling attention to the plight of many overseas.

This year’s theme, according to Jean-Marie, is L’Union Fait la Force: Island, Identity and Leadership. L’Union Fait la Force translates to “strength through unity” from the language of Haitian Creole.

“This event allows for the Caribbean Student Association to bring an exciting and insightful look into the islands of the Caribbean,” Jean-Marie, a sophomore PPL and Africana studies major, said. “This night is affordable and allows for a great experience.”

The money made from ticket sales at Culture Night goes toward the Maurice Bishop Scholarship, which gives a monetary award to a BU sophomore student with a 3.0 GPA or better, in an effort to help with school expenses.

“The event in itself is for a good cause,” Jean-Marie said.

Culture Night features a Caribbean Queen pageant, Jean-Marie said, which she was excited about. During the pageant, contestants reveal facts about their respective countries and attend a question and answer portion that also relates to the night’s theme.

The pageant showcases some of the most beautiful young ladies the Caribbean has to offer, said Shawuki Hilton, president of the CSA.

The contestants for Caribbean Queen are working hard, Jean-Marie said.

“I am looking forward to seeing them portray their many talents,” she said.

Jean-Marie was a contestant in Caribbean Queen last year. She said she thought the pageant would be interesting to watch from the audience’s point of view.

Through the pageant, the contestants are going to show the strength of unity.

“The Caribbean is islands of many but unity of one,” Williams said.

The most exciting portion of the event, Hilton said, is the different performances of the night. There will be performances from Black Dance Repertoire, Bhangra and the International Flag Dancers, all student cultural dance groups.

Each group, Williams said, brings a unique, interesting cultural element which reflects the strength of the Caribbean.

Unexpected Step Team, elementary students from the Binghamton area, will also be performing.

“They show that age does not define excellence, as these young children display their talent,” Williams said.

The CSA, Jean-Marie said, is seeking to inspire solidarity throughout campus.

“We also want to raise awareness about certain aspects of the island, identity and leadership,” she said. “The event gives us an opportunity to illustrate the political, economic and social strife that too often many Caribbean citizens must deal with.”

According to Jean-Marie, culture night brings a great entertainment value to one’s Friday night.

“The food served and the people met are equally as great,” she said.

Williams agreed. He said there will be jerk chicken, rice and peas.

“These are delicious delicacies from the Caribbean,” he said.

Culture Night is fun, Hilton said.

“But don’t take my word for it,” he said. “Come and see for yourself.”