TULIA (Meaning Relax) The 'Theme' for Harambeecouver Festival 2023. "Crime Reduction, Anti-Racism, and Multicultural Integration"
The Festival will address some issues affecting African Diasporas especially those from the Great Lakes Region of Africa and others who arrive and settle into the rigors of being Canadian. African Refugees and Immigrants leave their countries to start rebuilding their lives in a foreign land, learning a foreign language, and adjusting to make new lives in their new county. Some Immigrants, Newcomer’s and a Refugee’s journeys begin when they are forced to flee their homes, they most times experience Trauma, needing help to improve their Mental Health issues, Wellness, a trauma recovery, and crisis management. The New arrivals Face challenges such as Systemic/Institutional Racism, Racial Discrimination, Human Rights violation, Language, Lifestyle, Culture Shock, and opportunities as Housing, Education, Employment etc. We are coming together to build Long-Term Resilience to safety and Security threats, making our cities safer and livable without Crimes, Violence, Barriers to opportunities, and Fear of Racism and Discrimination.
The Harambeecouver Multicultural, Diversity, and Reconciliation Fest/Parade (HMC’23), will be held at Vancouver Arts Gallery on Aug 26th and 27th, with Diversity Tournament at Trillium Park on Sept 2nd and 3rd 2023. This year’s “Theme” is Crime Reduction, Anti-Racism, and Multicultural Integration. The Festival “BUILDS BRIDGES, AND STRENGTHENS COMMUNITIES”. A free event recognizing the power of the Refugees, Newcomers, Immigrants, and other community members. We will focus on Learning, Unlearning and Relearning about Crime Reduction, Anti-Racism, Racial Injustices, and Reconciliation.
The event brings the sounds of Africa, both traditional and contemporary Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza this summer of 2023. From Kizomba, Rhumba, Ndombolo, Zouk, Steal Drum, and Ampiano, the Cultural Festival programming includes education, training, conversation, performing arts, Visual arts, literary arts, interdisciplinary arts, crafts, expression of cultural identity, out-reach, marathon, diversity soccer tournaments. We ask clubs and or leagues to participate, exhibitor, vendor, talents, and last but not east we need volunteers. Enjoy live music form DJ’s, local rappers to the up-coming superstars.
We believe in the power of solidarity, feeling a sense of belonging, uniting a stronger, more caring, and inclusive society, the event reaches a diverse group of people from all origins, backgrounds, and of all ages, who share values of creativity, wonder, and community that cements traditions and customs filled with courage and strength of a purpose. We delight, inspire, engage and help educate Refugees, Newcomers and Immigrants through dance, Drums, storytelling, Soccer Diversity Tournament, Seniors and Children’s corner, other traditional exciting activities, etc., celebrating a community.
We will share lived and educational experiences from the community members, especially in Pro‐social skills, and Leadership skills to help lead community members to solve crimes, Trauma Recovery and Crisis management, through Trauma-informed care, restoring safety and empowerment for those suffering from trauma during their journey to Canada. Additionally, we will promote Reconciliation through the African Folk Festival Vancouver, which is coming in 2024, to mark the end of the UN Decade for the People of African Descent.
(Grants are provided through the CFO Grant Program, the City of Vancouver, Vancity Bank, Optiven Kenya, Local businesses
