One of the elements that make our school communities so vibrant is the cultural diversity of the members and celebrating this has become an annual event for many schools. On the afternoon of April 28, Bishop Elementary School families and friends came together at a Cultural Fest where they shared and experienced a variety of cultural traditions, ethnic backgrounds, and identities. The 14 display tables spread around the gym represented countries from Asia, Europe, and Central and South America. Among these were two tables from countries not seen at previous Fests that were presented by new families who have joined the school community.
In addition to artifacts, pictures, and information, many of the tables included activities that attendees could enjoy. For example, the Indian table offered the opportunity to make small decorative dishes and origami was folded at the Japanese table. Participants were able to create hanging himmeli holiday decorations at the Finnish table, try to hit a target while playing a Korean throwing game, and engage in coloring at the France/Switzerland table.The Bishop Rainbow Alliance offered an activity with beads. The national clothing that some of those staffing the tables wore or included in their displays added to the color and beauty of the event.
It was clear that food was an important part of the Fest, as most of the cooks had no leftovers to take home! Fourteen different cultures were represented. There was food from Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Greece, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Tanzania and Thailand. Two or more different families contributed food from China, France, India, and Korea. Attendees could sample Jewish food, beverages such as Thai ice tea and mango lassis, Ethiopian injera, Chinese dumplings, Colombian bunuelos, and sweet tasting desserts such as brigadeiros from Brazil.
The scene was enlivened by two arts performances. Four Bishop students in grades two, three and five presented the Chinese song Listen to me Say Thank You.The Blossoming Youth, a Chinese dance, was performed by a third grade student.
The Bishop Cultural Fest was jointly sponsored by the Diversity and Inclusion Group and the PTO. Reflecting on the event, Co-chairs Paivi Albaiti and Jessica Fix had this to say: “We feel it is important to have an event where people with different backgrounds in our school community have the opportunity to come together to share all our cultural differences. It is a great feeling to be heard and seen, and to have a place where people can ask questions and have discussions that they may not be able to or just would not have otherwise.”
Ms. Albaiti and Ms. Fix believe that about 150 people attended and they felt a sense of “...excitement, pride, and joy throughout the event “. They heard comments that included how glad people were to be back and that they were looking forward to the event next year. After being present and seeing what the event consisted of, a few attendees said they plan to participate with a display next year because they have a better understanding of what could be done.
The two Co-chairs also shared the following: “Understanding our differences brings us even closer together and we realize how similar we actually are in more ways than not. It is fun, educational and inspirational. As first generation immigrants and as parents of the Bishop community, it is important to have our children see we are proud of our backgrounds and are happy to be open and share our experiences with others. We appreciate the school leadership in working collaboratively and supporting the parents to hold such an important event to increase and enhance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts.”