Cultural Diversity Events in Bellevue - Building Community Unity and MLK Tribute

Events

Diversity Forum on Jan. 12, 5:30 pm, to promote unity through understanding

Bellevue Police Chief Linda Pillo and author Warren Read are among those who will take part in a Jan. 12 forum designed to encourage community unity by increasing awareness and understanding of diverse cultures. 

The free event, called “Community Building in our Diverse Community,” will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Crossroads Community Center, 16000 NE 10^th St.

Reservations are requested by noon on Jan. 11. To RSVP and for more information, contact Kevin Henry at khenry@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-7886.

The forum will explore the issues of harassment, hate crimes and graffiti; prevention and reporting options will be discussed as well. Also on tap, a facilitated discussion about how communities can build unity and increase cultural interaction.

Bellevue Police Chief Pillo will talk about what individuals can do if they feel they have been harassed because of their cultural, social or religious background. She will also discuss appropriate responses to graffiti.

Read will examine the social and economic causes of discrimination and share what communities can do to build unity and address conflict. Read is a popular keynote speaker and the author of the “The Lyncher In Me: A Search for Redemption in the Face of History.”

The forum is part of a series sponsored by Bellevue Parks & Community Services Cultural Diversity Program called “Conversations about Race & Culture.” The series aims to build community and increase cultural appreciation and understanding in Bellevue.

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Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Health Fair Jan. 16

“Celebration of a Dream – A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” will take place from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 16 at Crossroads Bellevue Shopping Center (corner of 156th and NE 8th).

The event, sponsored by the City of Bellevue Parks & Community Services Cultural Diversity Program and Crossroads Bellevue Shopping Center, will feature a variety of musical entertainment, guest speakers, children’s activities, and a health fair presented by the Bellevue Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The keynote speaker is Zaid Abdul-Aziz, former NBA player who played for the Seattle Supersonics, Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets. He is also the author of Darkness to Sunlight, the story of his basketball career, personal challenges and spiritual journey.

Featured entertainment will also include classic rhythm and blues by Sonny Byers Band, traditional Hawaiian dance by Seattle Hula Productions, a performance by the Eastside Dream Elite Cheer Squad, and music from around the world performed by the Seattle Peace Chorus.

The health resource fair will feature representatives from non-profits and social service agencies, and provide information about health issues and services available in the community.

For more information, contact Kevin P. Henry at khenry@bellevuewa.gov, 425-452-7886.