On Friday, Angel’s Joy Learning Center turned into a melting pot showcasing the many cultures of its community with the center’s first annual Parade and Potluck titled “Bridging the Gap of Diversity.”
The center, which provides childcare services for children six weeks to 12 years just off the West Beltline, hosted an afternoon of cultural performances, food, and fellowship for attendees of all ages.
“We’re coming together and we’re finding out different things about each other so that we can grow and be stronger as a people,” said center CEO Angela Ferguson.
Parents, families, and community members of the center created display boards detailing their country of origin accompanied by a native dish.
Dishes from Mexico, Venezuela, Norway, Nigeria, South Africa, and Israel were among those represented along with traditional African American cuisine.
In addition to the food, there was also performances by Females With Attitude, a Verona Area High School step team, the all-girls singing group Trilogy, and traditional dance troupe The Ballet Folklorico Mexico.
Through food, song, and dance kids and attendees got to learn more about their own heritage as well as the culture of others.
“The fact is that Mexicans, we are natives to America,” said troupe leader Carlos Avila, while explaining an Aztec dance the group prepared to perform.
Due to rain, the center was not able to host the parade portion of the festivities, but the weather did not put a damper on the celebration or the overall learning experience.
