The Drogheda based organisation Culture Connect will be celebrating Africa Day on Sunday next, May 29 with a free event, the first of its kind in the town, in the St. Peter’s Church of Ireland Hall in Peter Street.
The late, great John Hume, one of the greatest Irish men ever, once said: “Difference is the essence of humanity.” Hume stood up for the human rights of people in this country and throughout the world and was a keen supporter of Africa Day. Along with Nelson Mandela he was one of the greatest peacemakers of the modern era..
To finish his quote, Hume added: “Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace – respect for diversity.”
It is in that spirit of respect for diversity that Culture Connect is inviting everyone along at any time between 2.00 and 6.00 pm on Sunday to witness a showcase of African talents, arts and crafts and spectacular costumes of cultural attire.
There’ll be food and drink also so why not make it a late lunch date with a difference?
The vision of Culture Connect is to promote the sharing of cultures between Irish citizens and immigrants, educate people to recognise the strength in cultural diversity and encourage communities to accept differences while celebrating similarities to make the community a more inclusive and friendlier place.
Culture Connect is working to remove barriers that hinder social inclusion by building social alliance between immigrants and Irish citizens.
Africa Day celebrates the richness of African cultures and the contribution of people of African descent to Irish life. Africa Day celebrations are organised by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with African embassies in Ireland and local authorities around the country.
Moya Hodgers, Acting Arts Officer for Louth, said: “This is Louth’s first year hosting events for World Africa Day and we are thrilled to partner with Culture Connect in showcasing the richness of the African Culture. Louth has developed into such a diverse county, and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to embrace the culture and heritage of another community and learn from each other”.
