"We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race." … Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General
"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth." … Baha'u'llah
Herb and Ann
Fri, Sept 19, 7:30 pm: Concert by Argentinian guitarist Carlos de la Barrera. Tickets are $10 ($5 Hope students), available at DeVos Fieldhouse, 10 am to 5 pm, or call (616) 395-7890. At Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8th St, Holland.
Sat, Sept 20, 11:30 am to 6 pm: Columbia Art Fest, with music, diverse artists, entertainment, bed race, etc. On Columbia Ave between 18th and 20th Sts, Holland.
Sun, Sept 21, 3 pm: Community Unity Potluck, celebrating diversity and supporting the family whose driveway was defaced with racial slurs last month. Bring a dish to share, or food for your own family; some food vendors available. Remarks by community leaders; music and dance groups; presentation to family. Master of ceremonies is Marvin Younger, president of ACEH. Organized by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony, Latin Americans United for Progress, and City of Holland. At Kollen Park bandshell, Van Raalte Ave at Lake Macatawa, Holland.
Sun, Sept. 21: International Day of Peace.
Thurs, Sept 25: Opening day for classes offered by All for One Dance program, promoting physical fitness in youth through dance and exercise and celebrating all cultures through the diversity of music: zumba, freestyle, hip-hop, modern, and Mexican folklorico. $20 per semester; some scholarships available. Semester runs through Nov. 22. Register at (616) 396-3278. www.myspace/allforonedance.program At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8th St, Holland.
Thurs, Sept 25, 6 pm until 8 pm: Reception for artist Erick Pichardo and his exhibit of paintings "Unexpected Innocence." Sponsored by the Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation. At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8th St, Holland.
Sat, Sept 27, 10 am until 4 pm: West Michigan Go Vote conference to "inspire and equip women with skills to get active during the election season." Features women working on local civic engagement efforts. Training is free; lunch provided. RSVP by Thurs, Sept 25, to Elisa Salazar at (616) 834-8171 or esalazar@thewhitehouseproject.org Sponsored by The White House Project. At First United Methodist Church, 57 West 10th St, Holland.
Wed, Oct 1, 3 pm: Opening session of Institute for Healing Racism; eight-week program runs through Nov 19. $100; some scholarships available. Facilitated by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance and Latin Americans United for Progress. To register, contact Patricia Strachan, pstrachan@hollandchamber.org or (616) 3929-2389, ext. 110. At Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, 272 East 8th St, Holland.
Fri, Oct 10, 7 pm: Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony general meeting to launch partnership with Hearts in Harmony, an intentional process for developing friendships across cultures. Public is invited. (616) 392-5086 or aceh@harmonyalliance.org At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland.
Sat, Oct 11, 8:30 am: Small City Big Bang: Free gang workshop presented by Strategic Outreach Service of Grand Rapids in partnership with Imagine Fellowship of Holland. Focus will be on properly defining gangs; connecting community, clergy, and gangs; how church and law enforcement can work together; rules of engagement with gang members; mindset of gang membership. Troy Evans, a former gang member, will provide mentoring and conflict resolution. To participate or sponsor, call (616) 392-2919. At Imagine Fellowship, 167 West 20th St, Holland.
