Tampa Bay Cultural Diversity on Display at USF Festival

Tampa Bay area residents are invited to celebrate the region’s cultural diversity during a free festival at the University of South Florida Saturday.

The National Welcoming Week Cultural Festival is designed to recognize the many cultures that combine to create the face of Hillsborough County. The event, coordinated by the Tampa Bay Area Refugee Task Force, features live music, dance performances, interactive educational and cultural tables, a fashion show and more.

Over the past five years, the Tampa Bay area has become home to more than 11,000 refugees from 97 different countries, Janet Blair, community liaison for the Department of Children and Families Refugee Services Program in Largo, told Patch. Those refugees come from such countries as Cuba, Haiti, Egypt, Colombia, Burma and Haiti.

“Locally, the largest groups by far are those coming from Cuba,” she said. “The second largest groups are Iraqi refugees and a mix of new arrivals from Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner says Saturday’s event is an important one.

“The National Welcoming Week event is to celebrate cultural diversity, promote unity and highlight the contributions of refugees to American communities,” Beckner said. “When we proactively welcome newcomers and take steps to ensure their successful integration, we brand Hillsborough County as inclusive and globally competitive.”

Earlier this month, the Hillsborough County Commission unanimously voted in favor of designating Hillsborough a Welcoming County. Hillsborough is the first in the state to do so. The designation means that the county is committed “to creating a welcoming refugee and immigrant-friendly environment for economic growth and cultural vitality,” a county media release stated.

“When we enhance appreciation for and understanding of the value of diversity and inclusion, we teach mutual respect and understanding,” Beckner added. “These simple actions have the capacity to unlock the full potential of ALL members of the community, and make Hillsborough County a better place to live, work and play.”

Saturday’s event takes place at the USF Marshall Center Amphitheater, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Photo from the USF Facebook page