UNIFY invites community to share culture

MT. PLEASANT — UNIFY continues their efforts to connect cultures in the Mt. Pleasant community with a cultural potluck and performances Sept. 10 from 5-9 p.m. in Central Park.

“We pass by so many people every day, (at work, in the store, on the sidewalk, etc.) our neighbors and our friends, but don't always take the time to figure out some of the most essential parts of their life; what they eat, what they wear, what they love,” a UNIFY representative said.

This month, UNIFY focuses on representational needs of immigrants and non-immigrants.

“We want to provide a space for neighbor to unite with neighbor,” the UNIFY representative said. “To accomplish this, we are hosting a cultural potluck where anybody from any culture (American cultures/subcultures included, and encouraged) can bring a dish, dessert, or drink, and any items that could represent that beautiful part of them.”

UNIFY will organize four table categories for the various dishes.

Participants are asked to place their food in one of the four respective regions: The Americas, Europe plus Australia, Asia plus Oceania, and Africa/African descent plus the Middle East.

Gaga Ball and cornhole will be available throughout the potluck.

The potluck runs from 5-6:30 p.m. with a built in 30-minute period set apart for taking down tables and food to prepare for the second part of the event — the performances.

“We hope the performances can showcase at least four cultures from each of our regions, and are currently still looking for those who would be willing to perform and present their culture,” the UNIFY representative said. “Performances should last around five minutes and can include singing, dancing, playing an instrument, poetry, storytelling, or even a culture based comedy act.”

For those interested in participating in performances please email UNIFY at unifynpo@gmail.com to reserve a spot.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com