"Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can bring about
change--it can not only move us, it makes us move." ... Ossie Davis.
Herb and Ann
Tues, Feb 6, 4:30 to 7 pm: Enjoy Mexican food at Taco Fiesta, help support CASA (Children's After School Achievement), a community/Hope College organization provides at-risk children with tools they need to succeed in school. Eat what you want, pay normal price, Taco Fiesta will donate 50 percent of the night's proceeds to CASA. At the restaurant, 11972 East Lakewood Blvd., near Waverly, Holland.
Wed, Feb 7, 4 to 5 pm: Educator Donna Poag speaks on "Being a 'Subtle' Change Agent, reflections on Rosa Parks's decision to boldly impact change, and our responsibility today." At Hope College Maas Center, Columbia and 11th St., Holland. Followed by Black History Food Festival, Phelps and Cook dining halls, $5.
Fri, Feb 9, 7 pm: Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony meeting, open to the public. Guided tour of Holland Area Arts Council exhibit "Who Am I? African American Images": paintings, sculptures, quilts, other pieces by local artists and others from the Midwest; many are from the collection of C. J. Grier and Rev. Denise Kingdom-Grier. Children of UNITY group will tour exhibit with their parents. NOTE: This will be at the Arts Council, 150 East 8th St., near Columbia, Holland.
Sat, Feb 10, 10 am: "I Am Not My Hair" special workshop focusing on hair in the African American tradition, sharing braiding and natural style demonstrations and product suggestions. At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8th St., Holland.
Sat, Feb 10, 7:30 pm (light refreshments at 6 pm): "Cartas de Amor…Letters of Love," musical play of the story of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and his "ill-fated love affair with the young Leonor Rivera." Benefit for the Healthy Asian Kids Initiative, sponsored by Asian Health Outreach Foundation. Tickets $35 from Minnie Morey, (616) 481-6194. VanAndel Public Museum, 272 Pearl St., SW, Grand Rapids.
Mon, Feb 12, 6 to 7:30 pm: Asian Adoptee Journey, by Carissa Woodwyk, a counselor and marriage/family therapist who is an Asian adoptee; she speaks on how the dynamics of being a person of color and an adoptee affect one's identity; specific issues highlighted and personal stories encouraged. For information call Connie Dang at (616) 331-2177; dangc@gvsu.edu At GVSU Allendale campus, Kirkhof Center, room 215/216, Allendale.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY: Institute for Healing Racism:
A few places are still open for the March 1-April 26 Institute for Healing Racism, a program of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce and Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance. Meets Thursdays from 3 to 5 pm for 8 weeks at the Chamber offices; cost is $80 with tuition scholarships available based on need. Institutes use discussions, videos, literature, and group exercises to explore racism and intentional and unintentional discrimination, help participants gain an understanding of how racism is played out in everyday life and its effect on people of every race, and how to become "allies" in the fight against racism. Called a "life-changing experience" by many who have taken part. For information or to register, contact Patricia Strachan at the Chamber, (616) 392-2389, ext. 110.
