Celebrate Diversity 2018
WARSAW — Celebrate Diversity returns to the community for its fifth year in 2018.
The event focuses on celebrating diversity of all kinds and promoting Warsaw as a place where all people feel welcome and included. Celebrate Diversity will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at the Warsaw Central Park fountain. The public is invited to attend at no cost. This year there will also be food available for purchase provided by Lawney’s BBQ.
“We are committed to demonstrating that residents of Warsaw do support those who are marginalized in our community,” stated Linda Francis, member of the planning committee. “Celebrate Diversity is a great opportunity for individuals who are dedicated to unity and solidarity to gather in a safe, welcoming environment to learn from others. We are so proud that this event is turning five years old.”
Topics and speakers at this year’s event include: Mental and Emotional Disabilities, Danette Till; Coming Out at an Older Age, Lynn Gray; Continuing Opportunities for Latinos, Rebecca Kubacki; #MeToo and #StartByBelieving, Tabitha Gabbard; Acceptance and Faith, Bishop Douglas Sparks of the Northern Indiana Episcopal Diocese; and Current Legislation that Affects Diversity and Inclusion, Brian Smith.
There will also be live music by Lynn Gray and the trio of Marc, Gary and Hans. Music and speakers will take the stage from 11 a.m. to 12:40 p.m., with a peace march around downtown Warsaw to follow from 12:40 to 1 p.m.
“This year’s speakers are going to be sharing some amazing personal and informational stories,” stated Gennie Brissette-Tipton, manager of communications and projects at OrthoWorx and planning committee member. “We hope that the people who attend are able to take away positive messages of inclusion and support. There are resources in our community available to individuals who may feel marginalized. We’ll be sharing about some of those as well.”
This event is family friendly, so children are welcome and encouraged to attend, but please leave your four-legged friends at home as Warsaw’s city parks do not allow pets. Lawney’s BBQ will be providing both traditional BBQ and vegetarian options.