Wednesday, February 18, 2004
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Wednesday, February 18, 2004 |
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Blended cultures celebrated next week By LINDSAY BIANCHI A lot of different people pass the front desk of the Fayette County Public Library each year. From children to grandparents, the desks and shelves are visited by a variety of patrons who all share one thing in common, their diversity. Fayette County Library Director Chris Snell, along with her staff, has been honoring that diversity for several years. The sixth annual Blended Heritage Celebration entitled “We’re All in this Together” is being held on two evenings, Feb. 25 and Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at the library in Fayetteville. The celebration showcases local talents that highlight the customs and cultures of other lands. “This is an opportunity to learn to love and embrace each other.” Chris Snell pointed out. The genesis of her idea came during a Black History lecture in Griffin. The audience for the event was mostly African American except for two white ladies from Iowa. Afterwards, Snell spoke to them and engaged in a discussion about the many things they had learned that evening. Eventually the subject grew to include other cultures and the possibility of widening the scope of the historical venue. The opportunity came when Chris became the Director of the Fayette County Library and ran the idea past some of her staff. “We are a free library that disseminates so much information,” she said. Giving the people of Fayette County a chance to share their stories and traditions is a natural extension of the services that the library provides. With the help of the Friends of the Fayette County Public Library, the two nights of “entertainment, enlightenment and inspiration” are free to the public and refreshments will be served. Snell asserts that the events help people learn to respect other cultures and promote better communication between the races. “We learn what food they like to eat, what clothes they like to wear and it makes us more accepting,” she added. Soprano Maya Hoover, a professor at Spivey Hall will perform “a collage of works by composers of various heritages” with an emphasis on Jewish and Latin American composers. Hoover is an accomplished performer, teacher, clinician, music education philosopher and author. She performs at the library Feb. 25. The lineup for Feb 27 is somewhat more extensive and will feature music, dancing and poetry. Local author Dr. Ferrol Sams will speak, touching on his own works and the works of famous African Americans such as W.E.B. DuBois and Frederick Douglass. Violinist Saikat Karmaker will perform as will actress and singer Joanna Maddox. Poet Collin Kelley is also slated to attend. Flutist Sarah Spann, Soprano Chelsea Cook and Pianist Sherri Bowers are on hand to add to the variety of musical selections. Thai dancer Saiunya Sunanont is also contributing her talent to the celebration. And if that were not enough, African drummer and dancer Kengmo of Cameroom will perform. “What we look at is the heart, getting to accept you for who you are, to recognize your tapestry of excellence,” Snell said. What-Blended Heritage Celebration When-Feb.25 and 27 Where-Fayette County Public Library, Fayetteville Time-7 p.m.
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