In the Community April 23

 

In the Community April 23, 2012

a weekly calendar of diversity events

from the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony

 

"I know there is strength in the differences between us. I know there is comfort, where we overlap." …Ani DiFranco, Grammy Award-winning singer, guitarist, and songwriter; widely celebrated as a feminist icon.

TONIGHT, Mon, Apr 23, 7 pm: Facilitated book discussion: "The Warmth of Other Suns," by Isabel Wilkerson: the story of three people who were part of the Great Migration of black Americans from the South to the North and West between World War I and the 1970s.  Partners for a Racism-Free Community (PFRC) Reads the Book, in support of the YWCA's Stand Against Racism.  At YWCA of West Central Michigan, 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Tues, Apr 24, 6:30 AM to midnight:  Coffee for CASA, a fundraiser for CASA (Children's After School Achievement) program at Hope College that helps "at-risk kids learn how to achieve in school."  20 percent of sales will be donated to CASA. Live music from 6 to 10 pm.  At Lemonjello's, 9^th St and College Ave, Holland.

 

Tues, Apr 24, noon: Book discussion: "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down," by Anne Fadiman; chronicles the struggles of a Hmong refugee family from Laos and their interactions with the health care system in Merced, California.  YWCA Reads the Book program in support of the Y's Stand Against Racism.  At YWCA of West Central Michigan, 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Wed, Apr 25: Deadline for tickets and applications for recognition at a May 4 fundraising program "Sons and Daughters of Africa in the Civil War," sponsored by the Grand Rapids Sister Cities International – GA District Committee.  Individuals whose ancestors served in the 102^nd Colored Troop of Michigan or other troops are encouraged to nominate their ancestors for recognition.  Celebration will include fine African cuisine, speakers, singing, a dramatic re-enactment, and a "Forgiveness Ceremony" for the role Africans played in the slave trade.  $30 per person or $220 per table.  Contact Mary Edmond at (616) 245-3815 or Benjamin Amponsah at (616) 4500-2337 (after 5:30 pm).  Event is May 4, 6 to 8 pm, at the Airport Hilton Hotel, 4747 28^th St SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Apr 26, 10 am: Grand opening of new Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia; various events during the day, including tours between 1 and 5 pm.  Collection includes more than 9,000 current and historical artifacts.  Museum will be open from noon to 5 pm daily.  www.ferris.edu/jimcrow  At Ferris State University library, Big Rapids.

 

Thurs, Apr 26, 7 pm: Award-winning documentary "Miss Representation"; explores women's underrepresentation in positions of influence and challenges portrayal of women in media.  Free, but pre-registration encouraged. http://aplaceforwomen.org/events.html

Hosted by Center for Women in Transition in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

At Park Theatre, 248 South River, Holland. *Film recommended for ages 14 and older.

 

Fri, Apr 27, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm: Partners for a Racism-Free Community Lunch and Learn Series: Organizational Diversity--Best practices and traits of organizations with a successful diversity structure, featuring Eric Foster, diversity and inclusion counsel for a senior advocacy center in West Michigan (formerly advancement officer for diversity and inclusion at Hope College).  $25.  Register at www.prfc-gr.org  At YWCA of West Central Michigan, 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Sun, Apr 29 – May 3: 14^th annual Jewish Film Festival. Series of 6 films (Strangers No more, Dolphin Boy, Joanna, Reuniting the Reubins, Torn, Bride Flight).  $6 per film; $36 for 8 admissions.  Information at the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids (616) 942-5553 or  www.jewishgrandrapids.org  At Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Dr NE, Grand Rapids (intersection of Knapp Ave NE and East Beltline).

 

Fri, May 4, and Sat, May 5: Annual Fiesta, sponsored by (LAUP) Latin Americans United for Progress.  Friday night: Outdoor music performances, food vendors.  Saturday: All day, music, performances, car show, King and Queen contest, scholarship awards, information booths, food vendors.  Free.  At Holland Civic Center, Pine Ave at 8^th and 9^th Sts, Holland.

 

Sat, May 5, 8 pm: Hitsville Revue Band and Show, with Motown hits, soul, rock, disco, funky dance music, and soft jazz from the 1960s to today.   Fundraiser for Juneteenth organization of Holland.  Tickets, $25.  Contact Bobbie Brown at (616) 392-1926 or Theenda Yarbrough at (616) 546-9448.  At Park Theatre, 248 S. River, Holland.

 

LOOKING AHEAD

The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH) will hold its next general meeting on Friday, May 25, at 5:30 pm (note change of usual date and time).  This will be a potluck and Hearts in Harmony program to honor our departing vice-president, Rev. Angela Taylor Perry, who is leaving Holland to return to Kalamazoo.  Please bring a dish to share; ACEH will provide table service and beverages.  At meeting room of Holland Free Health Clinic, south end of Faith Christian Reformed Church parking lot, Michigan Ave at 26^th St, Holland (across from Holland Hospital).

 

 INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, READY NOW event

www.InterninMichigan.com is a statewide website helping to match students seeking internships with employers looking for interns.  Internships may be paid or unpaid, depending on the nature of the company or agency.

 

Telamon Corporation lists jobs in Michigan and 10 other states; Openings include education and family support specialists.  Telamon also administers the National Farmworker Jobs Program of employment, training, and support services for seasonal and migrant farmworkers. www.telamon.org   In Holland, call (616) 396-5160.

 

Michigan Works! offers services for employers and job hunters, including the Michigan Talent Bank and links to job listings and resources.  Holland service center: 121 Clover St; (616) 396-2154.  Grand Haven service center: 1830 172^nd St, Suite G; (616) 296-0818. 

---Ready NOW: Michigan Works! and Lakeshore Advantage will hold a free Ready NOW employment event the week of April 30 – May 4.  Attendance is required Mon, Apr 30, from 8 am to 5 pm, and Tues, May 1, in the morning, for workshops and other activities. Seating is limited and registration is required at http://www.miottawa.org/michiganworks  Or call 396-2154 or 296-0776.  At Central Wesleyan Church, 446 West 40^th, Holland.

 

--Wed, May 2, and Thurs, May 3, are open to help registered attendees with one-on-one assistance at the Holland and Grand Haven service centers (see addresses above).

 

-- On Fri, May 4, registered attendees who have taken part in the Monday and Tuesday activities are guaranteed at least 2 interviews with West Michigan employers who have job openings.  At Central Wesleyan Church, 446 West 40^th, Holland.

 

PAY LESS FOR PRESCRIPTIONS

A prescription discount card is available free from FamilyWize Community Service Partnership, Inc. and participating United Way organizations nationwide.  Available to anyone, with or without insurance; covers FDA-approved prescription medications.  Honored at most area pharmacies.  To see terms and conditions and a list of participating pharmacies, or to print a discount card, go to www.familywize.org or call 866-810-3784 to ask to have a card sent to you or a family member or friend.