In the Community from ACEH February 23

"Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?  Expediency asks the question: Is it politic?  Vanity asks the question: Is it popular?  But conscience asks the question: Is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular—but he must take it simply because conscience tells him it is right."  … Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, from his address "To Chart Our Course for the Future," 1968.

 

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, Feb 24, noon: DVD presentation "Between Two Worlds: Human Rights in the 21^st Century,"  Part of Great Decisions Series with World Affairs Council of Western Michigan.  Lunch provided.  At Herrick District Library, 300 South River, Holland.

 

Tues, Feb 24, 7 pm: Opening session of eight-week Holland First program to understand our community through the eyes of diversity.  Free; registration required.  Sponsored by Holland Chamber of Commerce and Chemical Bank.  Contact Patricia Strachan, (616) 392-2389.

 

Tues, Mar 3, 7 pm: "Cultural Competence in the Workplace," panel discussion featuring people from Fifth Third Bank: Francine Gaston, Sherry Kasper, Patrick Lonergan, and Christopher Macon.  At Hope College Maas Auditorium, Columbia Ave and 11^th St, Holland.

 

Wed, Mar 4, 4 pm: Latin American Film Series: "Guantanamera" (1995), set in post-revolutionary Cuba.  2009 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.  At Hope College Martha Miller Center, Fried-Hemenway Auditorium, Columbia Ave at 10^th St, Holland.

 

Wed, Mar 4, 5 pm: Women of Color Celebration Dinner.  RSVP required; tickets $7 for community members.  At  Hope College Maas Auditorium, Columbia Ave at 11^th St, Holland.

 

Wed, Mar 4, 6 pm: Exhibit: "Them: Images of Separation—The Power of Hate."  Opening reception and lecture by Dr. David Pilgrim, founding curator of the Jim Crow Museum and chief diversity officer at Ferris State University.  The 30 items in the exhibit are from the museum and reflect society's biases against women, people of color, homosexuals, and other groups.  Reception tickets $50; call (616) 459-8386. Exhibit, which is free, will run from March 5-31, 9 am-4 pm, Mon-Fri, and 9 am-1 pm, Sunday. Various free lectures on Sundays at 9:45 am.  At Fountain Street Church, Keeler Gallery, 24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Mar 5: Opening session of Neighborhood Leadership Academy, an eight-week interactive curriculum with techniques taught by diverse leadership professionals.  Aim is to "educate, enhance, and empower neighborhood leadership"; classes are free but registration is required.  Contact Janie Briones, (616) 355-3127.  At various locations in Holland.

 

Thurs, Mar 5, 7 pm: Panel discussion on immigration, in partnership with the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  Participants are Annie Dandavati (India), Nereida Garcia (Cuba), and Renata Fernandez-Dominguez (Mexico).  Part of the Read Along the Lakeshore/One Book One Community programs that focus around the book, "Stealing Buddha's Dinner," a memoir of growing up in West Michigan by Bich Minh Nguyen of Grand Rapids. At Herrick District Library, 300 S. River, Holland.

 

Tues, Mar 10, 7 pm: Film, "The Hobart Shakespeareans": how one teacher's "uncommon commitment and resourcefulness opened up worlds of opportunity for his 'disadvantaged' students.".  Fundraiser for Faith in Youth Partnership, which serves more than 400 "at risk" youth. Tickets $20 at door or at various churches and agencies. (616) 392-7159; dvogel@goodsamministries.com   Hosted by Good Samaritan Ministries/AmeriCorps.  At Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

"Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?  Expediency asks the question: Is it politic?  Vanity asks the question: Is it popular?  But conscience asks the question: Is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular—but he must take it simply because conscience tells him it is right."  … Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, from his address "To Chart Our Course for the Future," 1968.

 

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, Feb 24, noon: DVD presentation "Between Two Worlds: Human Rights in the 21^st Century,"  Part of Great Decisions Series with World Affairs Council of Western Michigan.  Lunch provided.  At Herrick District Library, 300 South River, Holland.

 

Tues, Feb 24, 7 pm: Opening session of eight-week Holland First program to understand our community through the eyes of diversity.  Free; registration required.  Sponsored by Holland Chamber of Commerce and Chemical Bank.  Contact Patricia Strachan, (616) 392-2389.

 

Tues, Mar 3, 7 pm: "Cultural Competence in the Workplace," panel discussion featuring people from Fifth Third Bank: Francine Gaston, Sherry Kasper, Patrick Lonergan, and Christopher Macon.  At Hope College Maas Auditorium, Columbia Ave and 11^th St, Holland.

 

Wed, Mar 4, 4 pm: Latin American Film Series: "Guantanamera" (1995), set in post-revolutionary Cuba.  2009 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.  At Hope College Martha Miller Center, Fried-Hemenway Auditorium, Columbia Ave at 10^th St, Holland.

 

Wed, Mar 4, 5 pm: Women of Color Celebration Dinner.  RSVP required; tickets $7 for community members.  At  Hope College Maas Auditorium, Columbia Ave at 11^th St, Holland.

 

Wed, Mar 4, 6 pm: Exhibit: "Them: Images of Separation—The Power of Hate."  Opening reception and lecture by Dr. David Pilgrim, founding curator of the Jim Crow Museum and chief diversity officer at Ferris State University.  The 30 items in the exhibit are from the museum and reflect society's biases against women, people of color, homosexuals, and other groups.  Reception tickets $50; call (616) 459-8386. Exhibit, which is free, will run from March 5-31, 9 am-4 pm, Mon-Fri, and 9 am-1 pm, Sunday. Various free lectures on Sundays at 9:45 am.  At Fountain Street Church, Keeler Gallery, 24 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Mar 5: Opening session of Neighborhood Leadership Academy, an eight-week interactive curriculum with techniques taught by diverse leadership professionals.  Aim is to "educate, enhance, and empower neighborhood leadership"; classes are free but registration is required.  Contact Janie Briones, (616) 355-3127.  At various locations in Holland.

 

Thurs, Mar 5, 7 pm: Panel discussion on immigration, in partnership with the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  Participants are Annie Dandavati (India), Nereida Garcia (Cuba), and Renata Fernandez-Dominguez (Mexico).  Part of the Read Along the Lakeshore/One Book One Community programs that focus around the book, "Stealing Buddha's Dinner," a memoir of growing up in West Michigan by Bich Minh Nguyen of Grand Rapids. At Herrick District Library, 300 S. River, Holland.

 

Tues, Mar 10, 7 pm: Film, "The Hobart Shakespeareans": how one teacher's "uncommon commitment and resourcefulness opened up worlds of opportunity for his 'disadvantaged' students.".  Fundraiser for Faith in Youth Partnership, which serves more than 400 "at risk" youth. Tickets $20 at door or at various churches and agencies. (616) 392-7159; dvogel@goodsamministries.com   Hosted by Good Samaritan Ministries/AmeriCorps.  At Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

In the Community from ACEH February 17

 "This is a world of compensations; and he who would be no slave, must consent to have no slave. Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves."… Abraham Lincoln, April 6, 1859, letter to Henry Pierce

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.

Wed, Feb 18, 7 pm: Introduction to Vietnamese cuisine and sampling of popular dishes.  Part of Read Along the Lakeshore/OneBook program that features "Stealing Buddha's Dinner." At Herrick District Library, 300 South River, Holland.

Thurs, Feb 19, 6:30 pm: Informational meeting, "Working Together to Build Safe Neighborhoods," including Neighborhood Watch, crime activity update, and presentation on gangs and alternatives.  At Ourstreet Center, 238 West 15^th St (Fourth Community Reformed Church), Holland.

Thurs, Feb 19, 7 pm: "History of Buddhism," a comparative look at an Asian religion, presented by Dr. Yosay Wangdi of GVSU History Department.  Part of Read Along the Lakeshore/One Book program that features "Stealing Buddha's Dinner."  At Loutit District Library, Grand Haven.

Fri, Feb 20: Deadline to buy tickets ($8) for Project Rejuvenation, planned and facilitated by Holland Youth Advisory Council in conjunction with Ottawa County Homeless Youth Task Force to raise awareness about homeless youth.  Event will be Saturday, Feb 28, from 7 to 9:30 pm and includes dessert, drinks, speakers, musical entertainment by ensembles from local schools, and a silent auction. For tickets, contact Kim Meyer, at (616) 355-1328 or k.meyer@cityofholland.com.  Event is at Till Midnight, 171 East 24^th, Holland.

Sat, Feb 21, 1 pm until 5 pm: Zumbathon, a fundraiser for the All For One Dance Program, which promotes exercise through dancing as well as bridging cultures through dance.  Includes guest entertainment.  Tickets, sold only at the door, are $8.  For information, contact Norma Luna at moonchild1993@yahoo.com  At Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd, Holland.

Tues, Feb 24, 7 pm: Opening session of eight-week (through Apr 21) Holland First program to "understand our community through the eyes of diversity."  Facilitated by Dante Villarreal, with a focus on community history, economic development and business, community resources, law enforcement, government, education, and art/culture.  There is no charge.  To register, call Patricia Strachan, Holland Chamber of Commerce, (616) 392-2389, or www.hollandchamber.org, clicking on Programs.  Sponsored by Chemical Bank and the Chamber of Commerce.  At Chamber office, 272 East 8^th St, Holland.

Wed, Feb 25: Deadline for buying tickets to 12^th annual Hope College Women of Color Celebration Dinner, which takes place Wed, Mar 4. $7 for community members; available at Office of Multicultural Education, Martha Miller Center, Room 107; by phone, 395-7867; or email at ome@hope.edu.

 LANGUAGE LINKS:

--The African Community Center, 1019 Wealthy St, Grand Rapids, plans to offer a class in Swahili, the official language of the African Union, taught by a native Kenyan. Contact the Center at  (616) 248-3552.

--The Van Andel Global Trade Center, GVSU, in Grand Rapids is teaching a Beginner's Chinese (introduction to Mandarin) class on Fridays through April 10. Visit the website www.vagtc.org or call (616)331-6811 for information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the Community from ACEH February 9

"The task of the excellent teacher is to stimulate "apparently ordinary" people to unusual effort. The tough problem is not in identifying winners: it is in making winners out of ordinary people." Educator K. Patricia Cross, sponsor of Future Leaders Award for graduate students.

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.

Herb and Ann

 Wed, Feb 11, 4 pm: Film, "Azúcar amarga" (Bitter Sugar); produced in 1996 and set in post-revolutionary Cuba.  Part of Latin American Film Series.  January 1, 2009, marked the 50^th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.  At Hope College Martha Miller Center, Fried-Hemenway Auditorium, corner of 10^th St and Columbia Ave, Holland.

 

Wed, Feb 11, 4 pm: "Color Blind or Color Conscious? Coalition Building in the 21^st Century," presentation on the politics of multiculturalism by Evelyn Hu-DeHart, professor of history and director of the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America, Brown University. At Grand Valley State University Cook-Dewitt, Allendale Campus.

 

Wed, Feb 11: Deadline for purchasing tickets for BLEND event in partnership with Grand Rapids Symphony, "Symphony with Soul," featuring Community Gospel Chorus and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.  $25 includes ticket for the concert and a post-concert Celebration of Soul reception.  (The concert is 8 pm, Saturday, Feb 28, followed by the reception at 10 pm.)  Contact Maxine Gray at (616) 520-7298.  www.grblend.org/events.

 

Thurs, Feb 12, 4 pm: Hmong, presented by Grand Valley's Hmong American Student Association; includes cultural identity of Hmong and its diverse history, people, and religion; display of artifacts, clothing, and literature.  (Hmong are an Asian ethnic group primarily in China and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.) At Grand Valley State University, 2263 Kirkhof Center, Allendale.

 

Fri, Feb 13, 6 pm (note earlier time than usual):  Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH) general meeting, open to the public.  Film, "Pride," is the story, based on true events, of an inspiring teacher and an African American swim team in Philadelphia.  Pizza will be served; discussion after the movie. For more info, call 392-5086 or www.harmonyalliance.org  At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland

 

Mon, Feb 16, 7 pm (Jazz Ensemble, 6:30 pm): Jack Ridl Visiting Writers Series: Poet Lynne Thompson, author of the award-winning book Beg No Pardon, tracing the journey of childhood through adulthood.  She was born and raised in Los Angeles by parents who emigrated from the Windward Islands, West Indies. Free. At Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8^th St, Holland

 

Mon, Feb 16, 7:30 pm: Piano concert by Yukiko Tanaka, of Tokyo, Japan, who has performed as a piano soloist and chamber musician in the US, Canada, Spain, Italy and Japan; repertoire includes classical music, Broadway music, and rock n' roll.  Free.  At Dimnent Memorial Chapel, College Ave at 12^th St, Holland.

 

Tues, Feb 17, noon: "Biography of a Cause: Cuba After Castro," presentation by National Public Radio host Tom Gjelten; he has reported extensively from Cuba. Part of Herrick District Library's Great Decisions Series in conjunction with World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. Free; lunch provided.  Seating limited to 200. At Herrick District Library, 300 S. River, Holland.

 

LOOKING AHEAD:  --The Institute for Healing Racism has been postponed until Thurs, Feb 26 (3 to 5 pm) continuing through Thurs, April 26 (no session March 19).  People who want to take part should contact Patricia Strachan, 392-2389 or pstrachan@hollandchamber.org

 

In the Community from ACEH February 2

"To live anywhere in the world today and be against equality because of race or color is like living in Alaska and being against snow."  … author William Faulkner

 

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.

Mon, Feb 2 through Wed, Feb 4, and Fri, Feb 6 and Sat, Feb 7, 7:30 pm: Documentary film, "Pray the Devil Back to Hell," the story of thousands of Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their country. $6 regular admission, $5 seniors. Not rated. At Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

Tues, Feb 3, 6:30 pm: "The Vietnamese Immigrant," by Gordon Olson and Huan Lee, about Vietnamese refugees who fled their country in 1975 and made homes in West Michigan. Also showing one-hour film, "From Saigon to Sanctuary."  Part of Read Along the Lakeshore 2009 program that features the book, "Stealing Buddha's Dinner."  At Spring Lake District Library, 123 East Exchange St, Spring Lake.

 

Wed, Feb 4, 7 pm: Documentary, "Sentenced Home," about four Vietnamese refugees deported by the U.S. for crimes committed when they were in their teens; film follows them back to Vietnam to show their struggle to adjust.  Danny Upton, national program attorney for Justice for Our Neighbors, will lead a discussion of immigration issues.  At Wealthy Theater-Koning Micro-Cinema, 1130 Wealthy St, SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Feb 5, 9 am until 7 pm: "Transition Toward the Future" sponsored by 14 community organizations to offer information to people experiencing job loss and lower incomes because of the current economy.  Workshops and presentations held every hour in the morning and the afternoon (break from 11:15 am to 2:15 pm).  At Ridge Point Community Church, 340 104^th Ave, Holland.

 

Sat, Feb 7, 9 am to 6 pm: Ethnic Heritage Festival, celebrating ethnic groups that call West Michigan home; including music and dance demonstrations, storytelling and crafts, displays, foods for purchase, traditional and modern ethnic fashion showcase (12:30 pm), beer tasting (1 to 4 pm). Sponsored by DTE Energy Foundation.  www.grmuseum.org  (616) 456-3977. Free admission; beer tasting $6.  At Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St, NW, Grand Rapids.

 

Sat, Feb 7, 6 pm: International Dinner sponsored by Rotary Youth Exchange Charities, with foods prepared by exchange students from Japan, Italy, Finland, Peru, and Turkey.  Reservations required; call Gabby Russell or Yuki Nakagawa at 399-5137.  At Fellowship Reformed Church, 300 North 168^th Ave, Holland.

 

Sun, Feb 8, 2:30 pm: Documentary, "In This World," British film about Afghan cousins who become refugees and embark on a clandestine journey from Pakistan to London; called "a shockingly realistic portrayal of the journey of Afghan refugees." In Pashtu, Persian, and English; rated R; 88 minutes.  Followed by short discussion and refreshments.  Part of Chiaroscuro international film series. www.uica.org  or call (616) 454-7000.  At Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 41 Sheldon Blvd, SE, Grand Rapids.