Colors of Rhythm (CoR) is proud to announce the 20th annual performance for this spring. Since its inception in 1997, Colors of Rhythm has provided a forum for disenfranchised artists and performers of color. This event began as a constructive protest against what the curriculum and academic departments at Oberlin do not cover. By addressing issues such as lack of resources for and the recognition, valuing, visibility of certain cultural dance forms by the mainstream culture on campus, CoR is a form of cultural activism and protest.

Colors of Rhythm is an important moment for students of color to honor and celebrate their culture, as well as a moment for the dominant campus culture to demonstrate support. Moreover, this event aims to initiate constructive protest against issues of cultural appropriation and uncritical cultural assimilation by and within dominant cultures. Events like Colors of Rhythm are intended to empower marginalized groups to develop and articulate their voices and encourage majority groups to reflect their relative privilege.

Therefore, it is our expectation that all participants and audience members respect the mission of this event. We encourage all those involved to recognize how societal structures of privilege and oppression work to perpetuate racial, cultural inequality, invisibility, and to acknowledge the agency being exercised by marginalized cultures in challenging hegemonic structures.