MONROE – Art helps people bridge cultural differences.
That’s what the Sky Valley Family YMCA hopes will happen at Diversity Day in Monroe in May.
The nonprofit group encourages artists of all ages to submit artwork or crafts that reflect their cultural heritage for display at the free public event.
The day also will include music, food and interactive activities, said Martha Dankers, a chairwoman of the YMCA’s diversity committee.
“It builds community. It builds understanding,” she said of the event.
Monroe has a growing Hispanic community and smaller minority groups, such as Asians. In 2000, about 10 percent of the city’s residents were Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“Anything that puts positive light on diversity is important,” Mayor Donnetta Walser said.
Minority groups are a part of the community and contribute to its economy, Walser said.
“We have to recognize we do have minority businesses,” she said.
The diversity event will be held at Park Place Middle School. About 100 students from that school and Monroe High School recently walked out of class to protest immigration reform bills Congress is debating.
Monroe won’t influence the federal debate, but residents can strive to understand and celebrate their diverse community, Walser said.
“This is where I think we need to focus,” she said.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
Show your art
The Sky Valley Family YMCA is calling for artists of all ages to submit artwork or crafts that reflect their cultural heritage.
The artwork will be on display for Diversity Day from noon to 4 p.m. May 13 at Park Place Middle School on W. Main Street in Monroe.
For more information, call the YMCA office at 360-805-1879.
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