On 19th November, Somerville College hosted its annual BAME Formal dinner for the fourth time, welcoming guests from across the University.
The event, organised by Somerville College BAME Officers Conan Tan and Amrit Kaur Rooprai, was a resounding success, bringing together over 140 students, faculty members and alumni from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the cultural diversity in Somerville and the university at large.
The guests, dressed in their stunning cultural wear from sarees to hanboks, were served a splendid three-course dinner including baklava, lamb kofta, falafels and more, with a post-formal drinks reception and pool tournament held at the college terrace.
At the formal, two accomplished Somerville BAME alumni, Richard Wagenländer and Mohammed Hussein Iman, gave a speech encouraging BAME students to stay true to themselves and never lose the optimism and joy they found in coming to Oxford. Another highlight was the shared moment of silence held in solidarity with Palestine, reminding us all of the importance of honouring the ongoing Palestinian resistance. Conan and Amrit are extremely thankful to everyone who attended the formal and look forward to passing the baton over to the next BAME officers, who will undoubtedly make next year’s formal a similar success.
Thanks to our Ethnic Minority officers for this report.
