Last month, over 180 community members gathered at the Rivers Edge Convention Center for Create CommUNITY's annual Conversation on Race. The evening proved to be more than just an event—it was a powerful demonstration of our community's commitment to fostering understanding and creating positive change in St. Cloud.
Dr. Jonathan Metzl's keynote address challenged us to examine how systemic inequities affect all members of our community. His insights from "Dying of Whiteness" sparked meaningful discussions about health, politics, and racial equity. The energy in the room was palpable as attendees engaged in honest, sometimes difficult, but always respectful conversations.
This year's event introduced new elements, including children's programming that allowed families to participate fully. Young voices brought fresh perspectives to our discussions, reminding us that building an inclusive community is as much about the future as it is about the present.
The diverse attendance—representing various cultural backgrounds, ages, and experiences—highlighted the growing strength of our multicultural community. From high school students to community elders, each participant contributed to the rich tapestry of perspectives shared throughout the evening.
But the conversation doesn't end here. Many attendees have already joined our follow-up book club discussions, and new partnerships are forming to address the challenges and opportunities identified during the event. This is exactly what we hope to achieve—turning dialogue into action.
As we move forward, we carry with us the stories shared, connections made, and commitments voiced during this transformative evening. Thank you to everyone who participated, our dedicated volunteers, and our community partners who made this event possible.
Together, we're building a St. Cloud where everyone belongs.
Join us in continuing this important work. To learn more about upcoming events and initiatives, visit our website or follow us on social media.
Celebrating Winter's Light: Honoring Our Community's Rich Holiday Traditions
As winter settles over St. Cloud, bringing shorter days and long nights, our diverse community lights up with a tapestry of cultural celebrations that warm our hearts and brighten our spirits. This season reminds us that while we may celebrate differently, themes of light, hope, gratitude, and community connection weave through all our traditions.
In many of our Somali American families' homes, the Islamic New Year brings a time of deep reflection and spiritual renewal. This period emphasizes gratitude, community service, and strengthening family bonds. The tradition of sharing meals and giving to those in need reflects values that resonate across all cultures.
Our Jewish neighbors celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, commemorating resilience and hope with the nightly lighting of the menorah. The glow of these candles joins the sparkling lights of Christmas decorations that adorn homes and businesses throughout St. Cloud, creating a magical winter landscape that belongs to everyone.
Local Indigenous communities honor winter as a sacred time of storytelling and teaching. Traditional ceremonies honor ancestors and celebrate the winter solstice, reminding us of our deep connection to the natural world and the importance of preserving and sharing cultural wisdom.
In homes celebrating Diwali, the triumph of light over darkness is marked with beautiful displays of diyas (oil lamps), creating patterns of light that symbolize hope and new beginnings. These celebrations, though they may occur before December, set a tone of joy that carries through the winter months.
What makes St. Cloud special is how these diverse traditions don't just coexist – they interweave, creating opportunities for learning and sharing. In schools, workplaces, and community spaces, we see people genuinely interested in understanding and celebrating each other's customs. Children learn about different holidays from their classmates, bringing home new perspectives and enriching their families' understanding of our diverse community.
This season offers us a unique opportunity to look beyond our own traditions and appreciate the beautiful variety of ways our neighbors celebrate. Whether it's sharing traditional foods, attending community celebrations, or simply learning about different customs, these winter months remind us that our diversity makes our community stronger and more vibrant.
As we gather with family and friends this winter, let's embrace the chance to learn about and celebrate the many ways our community marks this special time of year. After all, creating understanding and fostering respect for all traditions is at the heart of building a truly inclusive community.
From all of us at Create CommUNITY, we wish you a season filled with light, joy, and meaningful connections. May these winter months bring our community closer together as we celebrate the rich cultural heritage that makes St. Cloud unique.
Share your family's winter traditions with us on social media using #StCloudCelebrates.
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