On Friday, March 4th, Riis Settlement hosted its annual multicultural fair at the Queensbridge community center. The event, titled Passport: A celebration of Cultures and Community brought together local residents and numerous participants from all three of our main programs to showcase their creativity and celebrate the rich diversity of our community through food, music, dance, and art.
Local vendors sold handmade clothing, crafts, jewelry and baked goods, while youth from Riis Academy sold tasty snacks and treats. The Community Action Group, a group formed by our immigrant services department to help give a voice to members of the immigrant community, offered traditional dishes from their home countries such as the popular Dominican dish, chicken and rice stew.
A number of groups from Riis Academy performed various dance routines while others read their poetic works. There was a youth martial arts exhibition and a widely popular henna painting table where members of the audience could experience the popular Middle-Eastern custom. Every inch of the gym walls were covered in artistic renderings of the different cultures that make up our wonderful community. Some of our elementary students showcased images of famous Cubans, while Katia Salcedo, a student in one of our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes displayed vibrant pastel paintings that were inspired by the beauty of her motherland, Colombia.
Representatives from various New York City agencies were also in attendance to inform the community about important resources and services. Members of the Department of Education were there to encourage community members to sign up for Mayor de Blasio’s Universal Pre-K program, while members of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs were there to spread the word about idNYC – the free identification card for all New York City residents. Representatives of Riis’ newest initiative, Cure Violence, which aims to reduce gun violence in the community, were also on hand to introduce themselves to local residents.
The Riis Settlement multicultural fair offers a great opportunity for local residents to come together and learn about the wonderful traditions and cultures that make up our eclectic community. This year’s event was another great celebration of all the differences that make us so special. We are proud to host this great event and equally proud of all those who contributed to the evening’s success.
