ACLC Multicultural Night Highlights Heritage and Diversity

International styles of dance, drumming, singing, poetry, art and food came together in a spirited celebration of “unity in diversity” at Alameda Community Learning Center’s (ACLC) annual Multicultural Night.

“Art, poetry, music and food are things people relate to, no matter where they come from. Experiencing other cultures through first-hand experience helps us understand and respect each other,” said Tabitha Kim, ACLC parent. “This event unites us through common ground, helping create a more peaceful world.”

The night’s program included performances by both ACLC learners and guests from the community, representing a variety of cultural traditions.  Highlights included a breathtaking Native American dance by guest, Lakota Holder, a member of the Medicine Warrior Dance Troupe from Oakland; a beautiful rendition of Selena’s song, “Como la Flor,” sung by ACLC 10^th-grader, Camila Guiza-Chavez; an inspiring tabla (Indian drum) performance by 6^th-grader, Ramit Guha; a graceful ballet danced by 7^th-grader, Mai Corkins; Russian classical and flamenco-influenced guitar played by guest, Stanislav Pretetsky; and a passionate and participative West African drumming session by guest, Benjamin Ofori of Ghana.

Stage performances were interspersed with poetry readings by ACLC’s student poetry club, “The Mighty Pens” led by Cathy Dana, and the evening wrapped up with ACLC’s own “RockShop” band, an afterschool music program comprised of learners in grades 6-12.  ACLC senior and Master of Ceremonies, Brandon Patterson, kept the program running smoothly with entertaining stage banter.

The evening also featured a variety of international dishes prepared and served by ACLC families, an installation of “spirit totem poles” constructed by learners out of creatively decorated and stacked boxes, student art exhibits and booth activities including henna tattoo painting, dance competitions and artistic design projects.

Multicultural Night was organized by 12^th-graders, Emelie Lafferty, Tara Mellor and Sarah Sirota as their senior project, with assistance from ACLC parent coordinator, Tabitha Kim, and additional committee members.