In the Community February 6, 2012

 

 

In the Community February 6, 2012

 

 

"I think we have to own the fears that we have of each other, and then, in some practical way, some daily way, figure out how to see people differently than the way we were brought up to."  … Alice Walker (b. Feb. 9, 1944), poet, short story writer, novelist, essayist, teacher, activist.  Her novel "The Color Purple" won a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award.

 

In the Community is also on the website: www.harmonyalliance.org/Events

 

Please help support ACEH.  Dues are $20 a year ($35/two years) for an individual; $30 a year ($50/two years) for a family; $40 for nonprofits; $75 for businesses. You can pay at the website www.harmonyalliance.org/Join with PayPal, or send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007, or sign up at any ACEH meeting or social event. THANKS! ¡GRACIAS!

 

Thurs, Feb 9, 5 pm: "The Rising Voice of Asian Pacific Islanders in the 2012 Election," interactive presentation by Stephanie Change, president of Asian Pacific Islander American Vote-Michigan.  At Grand Valley State University, Room 2270 Kirkhof Center, Allendale.

.

ACEH Meeting on Friday:

Film, Discussion, and Tour of CAAAH

 

·          Fri, Feb 10, 7 pm: Film, discussion, and tour at monthly meeting of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  In recognition of Black History Month, ACEH will show the award-winning documentary, "A Time for Justice: The Civil Rights Movement," followed by discussion facilitated by Hope College history professor Dr. Fred L. Johnson III.  Afterwards, The Center of African American Art and History (CAAAH) will offer a tour of its facility.  A freewill donation will be collected to benefit The Center.  Everyone is welcome! www.harmonyalliance.org or 396-2201.  At The Center of African American Art and History, 21 West 16^th St, Holland (across from Family Dollar store).

 

Sat, Feb 11, 9 am until noon: Asian Health Day, free event hosted by West Michigan Asian American Association, Inc.  Health organizations will offer information on community resources; free health screenings for first 200 people to attend.  Visit the website www.wm-aaa.org or call (616) 481-6914.  At Brittney Hall, 3637 Clyde Park, Grand Rapids.

 

Mon, Feb 13, 9 pm: Documentary: "Slavery by Another Name," based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Douglas Blackmon, explores the "neo-slavery" that lasted until World War II.  The Thirteenth Amendment states that slavery was abolished, except as a punishment for a crime—but in the years after the Civil War laws were passed to criminalize everyday African American life.  On WGVU-TV.

 

Wed, Feb 15, 4 pm: "Human Rights, Civil Rights, and Islam," by Lena F. Masri, community leader, civil rights activist, and staff attorney for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Michigan; she has been featured in several documentaries and on major media outlets.  At GVSU, Room 2250 Kirkhof Center, Allendale.

 

 

 

Fri, Feb 24, 7:30 am to 2:30 pm (includes breakfast and box lunch): Annual Community Forum of Partners for a Racism-Free Community: "Expect Equality."  Speaker is Tim Wise, one of the most prominent anti-racism writers and educators in the U.S.  $55.  Register at www.prfc-gr.org  At Kroc Center, 2500 South Division Ave, SW, Grand Rapids.

 

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:

Spanish Classes, Holland First,  Racial Healing Institute

           

(1) 10-week Spanish language classes, sponsored by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance: Level Two Feb 14-Apr 24, 6 to 8 pm, GVSU Holland Meijer campus; Level One, Feb 16-Apr 26, 6 to 8 pm, GVSU Holland Meijer campus; Level One Feb 16-Apr 26, 6 – 8 pm, Grand Haven High School.  Information and registration at www.ethnicdiversity.org

 

(2) Holland First, a program of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, will hold its eight-week Spring 2012 sessions on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 8:50 pm, beginning Feb 21 and continuing through April 17 (no class on April 3).  Holland First aims to help people understand the community through the eyes of diversity, including community history, economic development/business, community resources, law enforcement, government, education, and art/culture, with presentations by guest speakers, breakout sessions, and discussions.  Facilitator is Dante Villarreal. Sponsors are Chemical Bank and Blue Cross/Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan.  Holland First is free; participants must agree to attend all eight sessions.  Deadline to register is February 13. For information and an application, call the Chamber at (616) 392-2389.

 

(3) 8-week Institute for Racial Healing, Tuesdays, Feb 28 through April 24, 3 to 5 pm.  Through facilitated dialogue and activities, participants learn, share, and process within a multicultural group and examine the inheritance of our history, institutionalized racism, contemporary bias, and ways to be an ally in healing racial divides.  $100 per person; financial hardship scholarships available.  Register by phone at (616) 846-9074 or online at www.ethnicdiversity.org.  Deadline to register is February 10.  Sponsored by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.  At GVSU Meijer Campus, 515 South Waverly, Holland.