In the Community from ACEH Feb. 5

"Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can bring about

 change--it can not only move us, it makes us move." ... Ossie Davis.

 

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.

TONIGHT: Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) open house has been cancelled.

 

Tues, Feb 6, 4:30 to 7 pm: Enjoy Mexican food at Taco Fiesta, help support CASA (Children's After School Achievement), a community/Hope College organization provides at-risk children with tools they need to succeed in school.  Eat what you want, pay normal price, Taco Fiesta will donate 50 percent of the night's proceeds to CASA.  At the restaurant, 11972 East Lakewood Blvd., near Waverly, Holland.

 

Wed, Feb 7, 4 to 5 pm: Educator Donna Poag speaks on "Being a 'Subtle' Change Agent, reflections on Rosa Parks's decision to boldly impact change, and our responsibility today."  At Hope College Maas Center, Columbia and 11th St., Holland.  Followed by Black History Food Festival, Phelps and Cook dining halls, $5.

 

 Fri, Feb 9, 7 pm:  Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony meeting, open to the public.  Guided tour of Holland Area Arts Council exhibit "Who Am I? African American Images": paintings, sculptures, quilts, other pieces by local artists and others from the Midwest; many are from the collection of C. J. Grier and Rev. Denise Kingdom-Grier. Children of UNITY group will tour exhibit with their parents.  NOTE: This will be at the Arts Council, 150 East 8th St., near Columbia, Holland.

 

Sat, Feb 10, 10 am: "I Am Not My Hair" special workshop focusing on hair in the African American tradition, sharing braiding and natural style demonstrations and product suggestions.  At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8th St., Holland.

 

Sat, Feb 10, 7:30 pm (light refreshments at 6 pm): "Cartas de Amor…Letters of Love," musical play of the story of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and his "ill-fated love affair with the young Leonor Rivera."  Benefit for the Healthy Asian Kids Initiative, sponsored by Asian Health Outreach Foundation. Tickets $35 from Minnie Morey, (616) 481-6194. VanAndel Public Museum, 272 Pearl St., SW, Grand Rapids.

 

Mon, Feb 12, 6 to 7:30 pm: Asian Adoptee Journey, by Carissa Woodwyk, a counselor and marriage/family therapist who is an Asian adoptee; she speaks on how the dynamics of being a person of color and an adoptee affect one's identity; specific issues highlighted and personal stories encouraged.  For information call Connie Dang at (616) 331-2177; dangc@gvsu.edu At GVSU Allendale campus, Kirkhof Center, room 215/216, Allendale.

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY: Institute for Healing Racism:

A few places are still open for the March 1-April 26 Institute for Healing Racism, a program of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce and Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance. Meets Thursdays from 3 to 5 pm for 8 weeks at the Chamber offices; cost is $80 with tuition scholarships available based on need. Institutes use discussions, videos, literature, and group exercises to explore racism and intentional and unintentional discrimination, help participants gain an understanding of how racism is played out in everyday life and its effect on people of every race, and how to become "allies" in the fight against racism.  Called a "life-changing experience" by many who have taken part.  For information or to register, contact Patricia Strachan at the Chamber, (616) 392-2389, ext. 110.

 

 

 

 

 

In the Community from ACEH Jan 31

"How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

… Anne Frank, 1929-1945

 

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.

Fri, Feb 2, 5:30 to 8 pm:  Opening night for "Who Am I? African American Images," exhibit of paintings, sculpture, quilts, other original art and pieces from local collectors and artists from elsewhere in Michigan and the Midwest. Includes performances of music, dance, and readings; arranged by C.J. Grier. At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8^th St., Holland.

 

Fri, Feb. 2, 6 to 8 pm: Film and discussion: Spike Lee's "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Three Acts."  Bring a traditional African American dish to pass.  (616) 355-0071. At Core City, 21 West 16th St., Holland.

 

Sat, Feb 3, and Sun, Feb 4, 2 pm; Mon, Feb 5 and Wed, Feb 7 at 7 pm:  Film: "The Reckoning: Remembering the Dutch Resistance," documentary award-winner at New York festivals. Depicts what life was like for Jews in the Netherlands during the Holocaust and how "ordinary" Dutch citizens resisted the Nazis and cared for fellow citizens during World War II. $7 general admission. (616 530-SHOW;www.dutchresistance.net.  At Celebration Cinema North, 2121 Celebration Dr, NE, Grand Rapids.

 

Mon, Feb 5, 7 pm:  Community open house for Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON), the free immigration legal service of the national United Methodist Church. 396-5205. At First United Methodist Church lounge, 57 West 10^th St. (use 9^th St. entrance), Holland.

 

Wed, Feb 7, 4 to 5 pm: Hope College Multicultural Enrichment Series: "Being a 'Subtle' Change Agent—Reflections on Rosa Parks's decision to boldly impact change, and our responsibility today," by educator Donna Poag. At Maas Center, Columbia and 11^th St., Holland.

 

Wed, Feb 7, 5 pm: Black History Food Festival. $5 for general public.  At Phelps and Cook dining halls, Hope College, 10^th St. between College and Columbia, Holland.

 

Wed, Feb 7, 7 pm: Poet, author, and activist Nikki Giovanni: "Reflections on Race."  Part of  Grand Rapids Community College Diversity Lecture Series XII. Limited seating. (616) 234-3390; www.grcc.edu At GRCC Applied Technology Center banquet rooms, corner of Fountain St. and Ransom Ave., Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Feb 8, 6 to 9 pm: Asian New Year Festival, including dragon dance, samples of food from Asian countries, crafts, storytelling, entertainment. Free and open to the public.  Part of Grand Valley State University's 2007 Asian Pacific American Heritage Celebration. Contact Connie Dang, Office of Multicultural Affairs, dangc@gvus.edu or (616) 331-2177. At GVSU Allendale campus, Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room, Allendale.

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

If you are a young student (or know someone who is):

WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS: Registration is open from Feb. 1 to Feb. 23 for "Writing, It's Elementary" on Sat, March 17. 1st through 5^th graders will take part in workshops at Hope College with storytellers, authors, poets, illustrators, journalists, screenwriters, and songwriters, including Jefferson Focus School principal Rick Muniz, who often mixes music with learning. Children of color are especially encouraged to sign up.  Cost $20, including lunch, snack, t-shirt, and writing supplies. Full and partial scholarships available for students with financial need (contact Shandra Martinez at 494-5701 or smartinez@grpress.com). Registration required; send check  to Life Services System at 11172 Adams St., Holland 49423; for info call Nancy Hanchett at (616) 396-7566. Sponsored by many local groups. Workshops will be held at the Hope College Maas Center, Columbia and 11^th St., Holland, Saturday, March 17, 9 am to 2 pm.

 

If you are a teenager or an adult:

CITY OF HOLLAND'S NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2007: Registration open now for 8 free sessions starting Thurs, March 1, ending with graduation Thurs, April 26.  Interactive curriculum on leadership skills, taught by diverse local people. Classes are 6 to 8:30 pm, includes dinner and resource materials. Network with area neighbors and local professionals; learn how to make a difference in your community!  Contact Janie Briones, program coordinator, Ourstreet/Neighborhood Liaison Program, City of Holland; (616) 355-3127; j.briones@cityofholland.com.

 

 

In the Community from ACEH Jan 26

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

 … Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

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, Jan 30, 3 to 6 pm:  Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) open house for the community to meet its new executive director, Roberto (Bert) Jara.  Refreshments provided; open to all.  At LAUP offices, 100 North Fairbanks (north of 8^th St), Suite E, Holland.

 

Thurs., Feb 1, 5 pm:  Auditions for All for One dance group, which offers Monday youth classes in Hip-Hop, Reggae, Cumbia, and Free-Style dance and Tuesday youth and adult classes in dances from South America. (616) 395-8559 or 399-5263; moonchild6016@sbcglobal.net  At Calvary Reformed Church, 995 East 8^th St., Holland.

 

Fri, Feb 2, 6 to 8 pm: African American film series/discussions begin with Spike Lee's "When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts," aspects of events that preceded and followed Hurricane Katrina's catastrophic passage through New Orleans in 2005. Open to all. People are asked to bring a traditional African American dish to pass. Other films: Feb. 9 ("Crash"); Feb 16 ("The Color of Fear"); and Feb 23 ("Montgomery Church Burnings"). For information, call Wayne Coleman, (616) 355-0071. Sponsored by Core City/CCDA. At 21 West 16th Street, Holland.

 

Mon, Feb 5, 7 pm:  Community open house for Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON), the free immigration legal service of the national United Methodist Church. Celebrate two years of Holland JFON clinic; meet the program's new attorney Susan Reed and volunteer attorney Roberto Alvarez. 396-5205. At First United Methodist Church lounge, 57 West 10^th St. (use 9^th St. entrance), Holland.

 

DEADLINE:  Friday, February 9, to register for Holland First, a program of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce to understand our community through the eyes of diversity. The eight sessions are once a week in February, March, and April and are free. Sign up to "explore personal leadership and cultural concerns while focusing on community history, economic development/business, community resources, law enforcement, government, education, and art and culture."  A great way to get better acquainted with the people and places of this area. Facilitated by Dante Villarreal, sponsored by Chemical Bank.  Call Patricia  Strachan at the Chamber, (616) 392-2389, ext. 110.