Cultural Diversity

By Ladelle Kay, INFOline Program Manager

I love festivals and celebrations! All my senses are heightened. I love the sounds of different languages, the smell of sometimes unfamiliar foods, the sights of costumes and dress from different races and cultures, the taste of delicious foods, and the touch of beads and artistic items produced by somewhere else in the world.

In the early 1990’s I lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was a fantastic adventure each year in late summer or early fall as millions of people lined the banks of the Charles River between the cities. People learned to communicate and enjoy the diversity as we shared experiences of our culture. Education is the key to understanding and there were so many opportunities to learn how to live together in harmony even though we had many differences. We celebrated the unity in diversity.
In late September, we have this same opportunity in Longview, Texas as our annual Multicultural Festival arrives. The Multicultural Festival is a family-friendly event designed to encourage the community to become more conscious of ethnic cultures, recognize that we have more in common than differences, and unite against racism. Event activities include cultural entertainment, vendors, food and music. Admission is free.

During the event on September 25, 2010 the Longview Exhibit Building will be transformed into one of the biggest stages in our region, drawing performers and visitors from across the country. The festival remains squarely a “grassroots” event, driven by the enthusiastic support it receives from the Longview Race Relations Committee. Many people from across the area are involved in its preparation: individuals, groups, the city staff and volunteers.

Multicultural Festival

When: Saturday, September 28, 2010
Where: Longview Exhibit Building, 1123 Jaycee Dr., Longview, Texas.
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

COME CELEBRATE OUR UNITY IN DIVERSITY AT THE MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL!