It's about time

DE Staff Reporter
Daily Egyptian

Living in Carbondale, there is a lot of diversity among community residents and college students. And in celebration of that diversity, the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce and Carbondale Park District deserves kudos for sponsoring the Southern Illinois Ethnic Festival this past weekend.

Its slogan, "Celebrating our Diversity, Strengthening our Oneness," was fitting. Carbondale has been plagued with the stigma of being a segregated town throughout the years, which is evident in some areas of living, but it is about time the residents of the town come together and realize we are all one.

Through entertainment and food, the culture of many countries was brought to Carbondale in a festive way. It is about time the differences of others were noticed and celebrated.

Everyone involved with the conception of the idea, the planning, execution and final production of the event deserve a hand. Carbondale is full of diversity, and it is about time that the cultures of international people were recognized and presented to a community such as Carbondale's.

The event was especially a great idea for children to be active in and in attendance because it shows them that there are more than just black and white people. Hopefully, it showed them the differences in people are also what make them the same.

The fact that there are so many international residents in town is evident that Cabondale has something to offer, but it is great when it is presented to others to experience.

It is rare that someone may dine on authentic German, Cajun, Mexican or Polish food unless it is brought to them. And having the ethnic festival in Carbondale did just that. Sometimes, people are afraid to experiment with something new, but when in the presence of a community of variety, it is easier for someone to try a dish and realize they enjoy cuisine other than traditional "American" meals.

We would like to see this as an annual event, expanding with its participants and a rise in attendance.

Those who took advantage of the event and went, thank you for giving diversity a chance. While we know most of you probably already have diversity in your lives and may have went to see your favorite form of dance and music, we say thank you because simply by attending, you make people aware that the division line Carbondale is known for is slowly fading away.

SIUC students who volunteered in the event, thank you as well for showing you are not selfish college students and that you support diversity. It is a good feeling to know students took time out of this weekend to participate in the event or even visit Town Square and inhale the diversity and oneness.

For those who were unable to attend, make an effort next year to be a part of something rich in culture, and experience other cultures without having to travel thousands of miles to do so.

It's worth the time.

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