Dr. Ravi Perry: We Need to Celebrate Diversity in Worcester
Friday, June 22, 2012
I strongly encourage all to visit and support the African American and Juneteenth Festival this Saturday at Institute Park.
In addition, I wish to take the opportunity of the summer festival season to propose a cultural diversity festival for everyone.
Whether it be Grecian, African American, Irish, Italian, LGBTQ, Latino/a (and others), I believe it is important to share in the diversity of Worcester's population and believe it is right for individual groups to have the opportunity to showcase their pride, cultural traditions, and to enjoy one another.
However, I also keep hearing how not everyone feels welcome at various festivals commemorating certain groups.
Everyone should feel welcome because everyone is. And each festival is a joyous occasion and learning experience for all.
I believe each of them should receive greater private and public funding and should be well attended from people throughout the region.
I say "believe" because I truly think that identity significance is of such importance to the long-term success of our community.
At the same time, I think there is some merit to the opinions of those who say that such festivals can appear unwelcoming to certain groups. While I am 100% confident that is not the case (I've gone to many myself and have almost felt welcomed no matter the festival), I can reasonably understand how a festival honoring a particular group can feel intimidating to those not of that group who may wish to go.
This may be of particular concern to those with limited diverse networks.
But, more than that, I think there is an opportunity for another festival gathering sponsored by the city, whose main focus is to highlight the collective diversity of all.
Maybe I'm biting off more than I can chew, but I think there's room in our grand community for both sets of events. Events that showcase the unique experiences and heritages of particular groups and one that does the same but with multiple groups present.
Let's call it one big Celebration of Life!
Dr. Ravi Perry is currently an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Director of Ethnic Studies at Clark University where he specializations in Black politics, minority representation, and urban politics. He concentrates his research, oratory, and activism in areas such as the new generation of civil rights debates, public policy, and urban politics public service delivery to persons of color. His activism, commentary and oratory have been featured in media outlets nation-wide.
Related Articles
- Dr. Ravi Perry: What’s in a Name: “Woosta” or “Worse-ster”?
- Dr. Ravi Perry: Who’s Fighting Discrimination in Worcester
- Dr. Ravi Perry: Why Worcester Must Adopt “Plan A”
- Dr. Ravi Perry: Worcester City Manager’s Budget Priorities
- Dr. Ravi Perry: Worcester Needs More Transparency in City Hall
- Dr. Ravi Perry: Worcester Needs to Keep Its College Graduates in the City
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It