"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 8th 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 104th 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 168th 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.
