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 11th 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 200th 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
