By The Keystone Newspaper New KU exhibit highlights student heritage, personal narratives, and the power of storytelling
By Katelynn Humbles
The KU Archives debuted “A Walk Around the World” on March 11, an original exhibit highlighting the cultural identities and lived experiences of KU students through personal storytelling and photography.
Curated by senior Linda Zúñiga, a double major in anthropology and art history, the exhibit showcases students from a range of countries, including Palestine, Indonesia, Germany, Nigeria, Brazil, Georgia, France, and Ecuador. Each display features student reflections on family traditions, rites of passage, and daily practices that define their cultural heritage.
Photo Credit: Rohrbach Library WordPress
“This exhibit is about students sharing their culture in their own words, on their own terms,” Zúñiga said. “Even everyday practices — how we greet each other, how we gather for meals — tell a story about who we are.”
The exhibit includes stories such as an Ecuadorian student’s description of her Quinceañera, Palestinian students recounting the communal joy of wedding celebrations featuring the traditional Dabka dance, and reflections on Indonesian prayer routines, Georgian family feasts, and Catholic novenas.
One student, Siobhan Houghton, said the display helped her find common ground through difference. “As I went around reading the displays, I noticed that even through cultural differences, I still saw similarities and was able to relate to the individuals interviewed,” she said.
Zúñiga, whose past archival work focused on uncovering historically underrepresented narratives at KU, said this project marked a shift toward celebrating present-day student voices. She worked closely with participants to ensure their stories were presented authentically and respectfully, while also navigating institutional research protocols and outreach challenges.
“A lot of students felt like their experiences weren’t ‘special enough’ to include,” she said. “But every tradition has meaning. That’s what makes this exhibit powerful.”
Created by Linda Zúñiga
To ensure an inclusive environment amid global political tensions, the Archives Office clarified that the exhibit is a celebration of people and cultures — not political entities — fostering a space for open dialogue and learning.
Faculty have expressed support for the exhibit’s impact on campus. “Students often study global cultures through textbooks, but this gives them a chance to hear real stories told by their peers,” Dr. Maria Thompson, professor of anthropology, said. “That kind of perspective is invaluable.”
For those interested in contributing their own cultural experiences, the archives office welcomes additional submissions.
“This project is bigger than me,” Zúñiga said. “It belongs to the students who shared their stories, and to everyone who sees themselves reflected in them.”