In the Community from ACEH Jan 31

"How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

… Anne Frank, 1929-1945

 

Herb and Ann

This information is provided by the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  If you do not wish to receive it in the future, please contact hpweller@comcast.net or editann@aol.com.  Events List is also posted on the ACEH website, www.harmonyalliance.org.

Fri, Feb 2, 5:30 to 8 pm:  Opening night for "Who Am I? African American Images," exhibit of paintings, sculpture, quilts, other original art and pieces from local collectors and artists from elsewhere in Michigan and the Midwest. Includes performances of music, dance, and readings; arranged by C.J. Grier. At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8^th St., Holland.

 

Fri, Feb. 2, 6 to 8 pm: Film and discussion: Spike Lee's "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Three Acts."  Bring a traditional African American dish to pass.  (616) 355-0071. At Core City, 21 West 16th St., Holland.

 

Sat, Feb 3, and Sun, Feb 4, 2 pm; Mon, Feb 5 and Wed, Feb 7 at 7 pm:  Film: "The Reckoning: Remembering the Dutch Resistance," documentary award-winner at New York festivals. Depicts what life was like for Jews in the Netherlands during the Holocaust and how "ordinary" Dutch citizens resisted the Nazis and cared for fellow citizens during World War II. $7 general admission. (616 530-SHOW;www.dutchresistance.net.  At Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Dr, NE, Grand Rapids.

 

Mon, Feb 5, 7 pm:  Community open house for Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON), the free immigration legal service of the national United Methodist Church. 396-5205. At First United Methodist Church lounge, 57 West 10^th St. (use 9^th St. entrance), Holland.

 

Wed, Feb 7, 4 to 5 pm: Hope College Multicultural Enrichment Series: "Being a 'Subtle' Change Agent—Reflections on Rosa Parks's decision to boldly impact change, and our responsibility today," by educator Donna Poag. At Maas Center, Columbia and 11^th St., Holland.

 

Wed, Feb 7, 5 pm: Black History Food Festival. $5 for general public.  At Phelps and Cook dining halls, Hope College, 10^th St. between College and Columbia, Holland.

 

Wed, Feb 7, 7 pm: Poet, author, and activist Nikki Giovanni: "Reflections on Race."  Part of  Grand Rapids Community College Diversity Lecture Series XII. Limited seating. (616) 234-3390; www.grcc.edu At GRCC Applied Technology Center banquet rooms, corner of Fountain St. and Ransom Ave., Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Feb 8, 6 to 9 pm: Asian New Year Festival, including dragon dance, samples of food from Asian countries, crafts, storytelling, entertainment. Free and open to the public.  Part of Grand Valley State University's 2007 Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration. Contact Connie Dang, Office of Multicultural Affairs, dangc@gvus.edu or (616) 331-2177. At GVSU Allendale campus, Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room, Allendale.

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

If you are a young student (or know someone who is):

WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS: Registration is open from Feb. 1 to Feb. 23 for "Writing, It's Elementary" on Sat, March 17. 1st through 5^th graders will take part in workshops at Hope College with storytellers, authors, poets, illustrators, journalists, screenwriters, and songwriters, including Jefferson Focus School principal Rick Muniz, who often mixes music with learning. Children of color are especially encouraged to sign up.  Cost $20, including lunch, snack, t-shirt, and writing supplies. Full and partial scholarships available for students with financial need (contact Shandra Martinez at 494-5701 or smartinez@grpress.com). Registration required; send check  to Life Services System at 11172 Adams St., Holland 49423; for info call Nancy Hanchett at (616) 396-7566. Sponsored by many local groups. Workshops will be held at the Hope College Maas Center, Columbia and 11^th St., Holland, Saturday, March 17, 9 am to 2 pm.

 

If you are a teenager or an adult:

CITY OF HOLLAND'S NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2007: Registration open now for 8 free sessions starting Thurs, March 1, ending with graduation Thurs, April 26.  Interactive curriculum on leadership skills, taught by diverse local people. Classes are 6 to 8:30 pm, includes dinner and resource materials. Network with area neighbors and local professionals; learn how to make a difference in your community!  Contact Janie Briones, program coordinator, Ourstreet/Neighborhood Liaison Program, City of Holland; (616) 355-3127; j.briones@cityofholland.com.

 

 

In the Community from ACEH Jan 26

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

 … Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Herb and Ann

This information is provided by the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  If you do not wish to receive it in the future, please contact hpweller@comcast.net or editann@aol.com.  Events List is also posted on the ACEH website, www.harmonyalliance.org.

Tues, Jan 30, 3 to 6 pm:  Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) open house for the community to meet its new executive director, Roberto (Bert) Jara.  Refreshments provided; open to all.  At LAUP offices, 100 North Fairbanks (north of 8^th St), Suite E, Holland.

 

Thurs., Feb 1, 5 pm:  Auditions for All for One dance group, which offers Monday youth classes in Hip-Hop, Reggae, Cumbia, and Free-Style dance and Tuesday youth and adult classes in dances from South America. (616) 395-8559 or 399-5263; moonchild6016@sbcglobal.net  At Calvary Reformed Church, 995 East 8^th St., Holland.

 

Fri, Feb 2, 6 to 8 pm: African American film series/discussions begin with Spike Lee's "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts," aspects of events that preceded and followed Hurricane Katrina's catastrophic passage through New Orleans in 2005. Open to all. People are asked to bring a traditional African American dish to pass. Other films: Feb. 9 ("Crash"); Feb 16 ("The Color of Fear"); and Feb 23 ("Montgomery Church Burnings"). For information, call Wayne Coleman, (616) 355-0071. Sponsored by Core City/CCDA. At 21 West 16th Street, Holland.

 

Mon, Feb 5, 7 pm:  Community open house for Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON), the free immigration legal service of the national United Methodist Church. Celebrate two years of Holland JFON clinic; meet the program's new attorney Susan Reed and volunteer attorney Roberto Alvarez. 396-5205. At First United Methodist Church lounge, 57 West 10^th St. (use 9^th St. entrance), Holland.

 

DEADLINE:  Friday, February 9, to register for Holland First, a program of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce to understand our community through the eyes of diversity. The eight sessions are once a week in February, March, and April and are free. Sign up to "explore personal leadership and cultural concerns while focusing on community history, economic development/business, community resources, law enforcement, government, education, and art and culture."  A great way to get better acquainted with the people and places of this area. Facilitated by Dante Villarreal, sponsored by Chemical Bank.  Call Patricia  Strachan at the Chamber, (616) 392-2389, ext. 110.

 

 

In the Community from ACEH January 22

 

"We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity.  We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing and inclusion."  ... Max De Pree

 

Herb and Ann

This information is provided by the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  If you do not wish to receive it in the future, please contact hpweller@comcast.net or editann@aol.com.  Events List is also posted on the ACEH website, www.harmonyalliance.org.

Tonight, Mon., Jan 22, 6 pm: "Asian Stereotypes in the Media," by Prof. Ji Hoon Park of the Hope College Communications Department, includes video clips and other examples of relevant cases.  Part of Asian Awareness Week at the college, organized by HAPA.  At Maas Conference Center, Columbia and 11^th, Holland.

 

Tues., Jan 23, 5:30 to 7:30 pm: Super Tuesday, interagency collaboration to empower and celebrate individuals and families in the community; open to all; no cost.  Free dinner at 5:30 pm; childcare sign-in 5:50 pm; classes 6 pm, including life skills, support group (in Spanish) for women and their families, Love and Logic parenting curriculum, tutoring and homework help. Sponsored by City of Holland (355-3133), Center for Women in Transition (355-9748), and Community Action House (392-2368) with grants from Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area and City of Holland.  At Western Seminary, 101 East 13^th St., Holland.

 

Tues., Jan 23, 7 pm: Movie, "Il Mare," Korean love story; original version of "The Lakehouse." Part of Asian Awareness Week at Hope College, sponsored by HAPA. At Peale Science Center 1000, College Ave at 11th St., Holland.

 

Wed., Jan 24, 6 pm: "Home Sweet Home," by Dean Moses Lee of Hope College, who will share stories and memories of growing up in Malaysia. Part of Asian Awareness Week at Hope College.  At Phelps Multicultural Lounge, 10th St. at Columbia Ave., Holland.

 

Wed., Jan 24, 7 pm: Documentary on Palestine and Israel, produced by a Hope College student for his senior project; includes interviews conducted during Bethlehem Bible College choir concert in Holland in October.  At Martha Miller Center, 257 Columbia (at 10th St), Holland.

 

Fri., Jan 26, 7:30 pm: The Ahn Trio, part of Hope College Great Performance Series.  At Dimnent Memorial Chapel, College Ave. at 12^th St., Holland.

 

Now through April 29: Slavery on Trial: The Long Road to Freedom, exhibit of more than 100 artifacts from 30 institutions telling the story of Dred Scott and America's struggle with slavery.  9 am to 5 pm daily; entrance free.  (616) 254-0400. www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov  At Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum, downtown Grand Rapids.

 

 

In the Community from ACEH Jan 12

“Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences.  No one can eliminate prejudices – just recognize them.” … Edward R. Murrow

 

Herb and Ann

This information is provided by the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  If you do not wish to receive it in the future, please contact hpweller@comcast.net or editann@aol.com.  Events List is also posted on the ACEH website, www.harmonyalliance.org.

 

Tonight, Fri., Jan 12, 7 pm: Annual meeting of Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH); open to the public.  Election of new board; showing and discussion of video “Clown.”  Children’s group, UNITY, also meets.  At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland.

 

Mon., Jan 15, 12:30 to 1:30 pm (doors open at 11:30 am): "The Heart of Racial Justice," by Rev. Brenda Salter McNeil, author and frequent national speaker, who believes that racial and ethnic hostility is one of the most serious problems facing the contemporary church.  Part of Calvin College January Series.  www.calvin.edu/january  At Calvin’s Fine Arts Center on campus, between Burton and the Beltline, Grand Rapids.

 

Mon., Jan 15, 7 pm: Commemorative service “to honor God for the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” with keynote speaker Rev. Denise Kingdom-Grier of Calvary Reformed Church; reflections on Dr. King's writings by community activist Fronse Pellebon-Smith, Holland High senior Matthew Warfield, and Black River senior Mariam Chapponaire; and participation by Prof. Karima Jeffries of Hope College; Raymond Hudson, minister of music at Maple Avenue Ministries, and Jeremy Simpson, worship leader at Christ Memorial Church, as well as area pastors.  At Maple Avenue Ministries, Maple Ave. between 17th and 18th Sts., Holland.

 

Wed., Jan 17, 7 pm: Presentation of Social Justice Awards by the City of Holland Human Relations Commission; open to the public. ACEH  will be receiving an award.  At City Hall, 270 S. River, Holland.

 

Thurs., Jan 18, 4 to 5:30 pm: Hope College Diversity in the Workplace career panel; reception.  At Maas Auditorium, Columbia and 11^th St., Holland.

 

Sun, Jan 20, 2 pm: Gospel Fest concert by six college and community choirs from Holland, Grand Rapids, and  Chicago.  At Dimnent Memorial Chapel, College Ave at 12th St., Holland.

 

Fri., Jan 26, 7:30 pm: Chamber music concert by The Ahn Trio—sisters Maria, Lucia, and Angella, born in Seoul, Korea. Hope College Great Performance Series; tickets $16 adults; $12 seniors; $5 under age 18; box office (616) 395-7890. At Dimnent Memorial Chapel,  College Ave. at 12th St., Holland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the Community2 Jan 8 from ACEH

So long as books are kept open, we tell ourselves, minds can never be closed.  But doors, too, must be kept open.  Tolerance, breadth of mind and appreciation for the world beyond our neighborhoods: these can be learned on the football field and in the science lab as well as in the lecture hall.  But only if students are exposed to America in all her variety."   President Gerald R. Ford, in the New York Times, 1999.

 

Herb and Ann

This information is provided by the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  If you do not wish to receive it in the future, please contact hpweller@comcast.net or editann@aol.com.  Events List is also posted on the ACEH website, www.harmonyalliance.org.

Tues., Jan 9, 6:30 to 8:30 pm:  Information meetings for Reciprocal Language Partnership (RLP), which offers 11-week  beginning and intermediate classes pairing people who want to learn Spanish with people who want to learn English.  Native English speakers meet  6:30 to 7:30; native Spanish speakers meet 7:30 to 8:30 pm.  (616) 399-5803.  At First Presbyterian Church, 659 State St., Holland.

 

Thurs., Jan 11, 6:30 to 8:30 pm:  Information meetings for RLP classes.  See Tuesday, Jan  9.

 

Fri., Jan 12, 7 pm:  Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH) general meeting, open to the public.  Viewing and discussion of video "Clown," which combines drama and comedy to explore negative effects of bias, racism, and prejudice and gives people a  way to take a fresh look at their personal assumptions and interactions.  Also: Election of new board  for 2007-09;  revision of bylaws; discussion of new programs.  UNITY, for ages 4 to 14, meets at same time and place.  Call 786-0829 or www.harmonyalliance.org   At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland.

 

Mon., Jan. 15,  12:30 pm: 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Peace March.  (616) 234-4722 or www.grcc.edu.  At 6:30 pm: Celebration,  "Inherit the Dream," with keynote speaker Dr. Lani Guinier, Harvard University legal professor and civil rights expert.  Both events at Ford Fieldhouse, Grand Rapids Community College, 111 Lyon NE, Grand Rapids.

 

Wed., Jan. 17, 7 pm: City of Holland Human Relations Commission presents 2006 Social Justice Awards.  At City Hall, 270 S. River, Holland.

 

Thurs., Jan 18, 4 to 5:30 pm:  Hope College alumni of color career panel, followed by networking reception.  Sponsored by Office of Multicultural Life and Career Services.  At Maas Auditorium, Columbia and 11^th St., Holland.

 

Thurs., Jan 25, 7 pm: "Sankofa: Contemporary Ghana and the Historiography of the Slave Experience" speech by the Rev. Dr. E. Obeng, vice chancellor, University of Cape Town Coast, Ghana.  Part of  Grand Valley State University activities "Remember the Crossings," commemorating the 200^th anniversary of the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.  For information on related programs, call (616) 331-3298 or www.gvsu.edu/abolition .  At GVSU Grand Rapids campus, Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, 401 West Fulton, Grand Rapids.

 

Mon., Jan 29, 7 pm: Nobel Peace Prize recipient and environmentalist from Kenya, Wangari Maathai speaks on "Women, Local Action, Global Impact: The Green Belt Movement in Africa."  Free and open to the public; doors open at 6:30 pm  Sponsored by West Michigan Women's Studies Council, which includes Hope College.  Funding  by  Nokomis Foundation.  Call (616) 331-2748 or www.wmwsc.org At Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St., NE,  Grand Rapids.

 

REGISTER NOW  for Holland First, an outstanding program of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce to "understand our community through the eyes of diversity."  Eight-week sessions begin Tues., Feb. 27,  through Tues., Apr. 24;  classes are free and cover community history, economic development and business, community resources, law enforcement, government, education, art and culture. Sponsored by Chemical Bank.  To register, call Patricia Strachan at (616) 392-2389, ext. 110.

 

Now through April 29: "Slavery on Trial: The Long Road to Freedom"  exhibit of more than 100 artifacts from 30 institutions, including the Library of Congress and National Archives,  that tell the Dred Scott story and American's struggle with slavery.  Hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily; $7 adults; $6 seniors; $3 ages 6 to 18; free for ages 5 and younger.  Call (616) 254-0400; www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov