COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County organizations plan to celebrate diversity in the Coldwater area with more than two dozen events during September and October.
“Cultivating Community” features events at Tibbits Opera House, Branch District Library, KCC Grahl Center, Branch Area Careers Center and other locations throughout the community.
Organizers say the events recognize and celebrate multiple cultures in the community through performances, speakers, book reads, presentations, conversations and food.
There will be cultural performances at the Tibbits Opera House on September 17, a Hispanic music concert October 1 and a Pow Wow Exhibition by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi October 8.
Branch District Library will offer a Human Library October 1 in which participants can “check out” a person to learn about their life. The library will host other events in October.
Conversations and presentations include Branch Intermediate School District’s Strategies for Educators: building understanding of the Muslim community on October 14; Kellogg Community College Grahl Center’s Student Panel discussion on multicultural experiences October 26 and Safe Zone training to learn and understand the LGBTQ+ Community October 7 at Tibbits.
Downtown Coldwater’s Hoptoberfest October 1 on Monroe Street and the Pride Festival September 10 at Parkhurst Park presented by Branch County Pride were included in the schedule as they fit the message of celebrating other cultures and our diversity.
There will also be Interfaith activities with area churches.
Partial funding for the event has been provided by Branch County Women Who Care.
Tibbits also receives grant funding from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.
When do we get to the unity?