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Dialogue to educate, not discriminate

Grass-roots movement celebrates diversity

Kate Suazo’s younger brother and sister have darker skin than she does.

“They mean the world to me, and when we go places and they get treated differently than I do, it’s frustrating,” she said. “You want to make sure they have all the opportunities in the world. I wanted to get involved.”

So, Suazo has joined others in making a difference, part of the fifth annual Diversity Dialogue at the Durango Pubic Library on Saturday. The workshop was a series of discussions and exercises designed to raise awareness and promote intercultural understanding and organizational growth.

“My generation, we’re doers,” said the Fort Lewis College sophomore. “We want things done now, but you can’t do that on your own.”

And she is not alone. Sponsored by the Embracing Diversity Initiative and supported by Durango High School’s Prejudice Elimination Action Team, Celebrating Healthy Communities Coalition, El Centro and Common Ground at FLC, the Community Relations Commission and Alternative Horizons, 42 people attended the workshop.

Lauren Patterson of EDI called it a homegrown, local volunteer effort that knows no age limit.

“We’ve got adult-youth partnerships, and we’re looking at cross-generational gatherings to increase understanding of all levels of diversity,” she said. “It’s completely open to anyone who wants to join and get involved in the work.”

During the workshop, groups formed and participants discussed personal experiences. They connected at tables identified by small distinct instruments – a Navajo hand drum, a tambourine, even a shekeres made from a gourd covered in tiny seashells.

A few volunteers recited poems.

“I am from the watermelon mountains,” Suazo read. “... from curls and kinks of natural hair. I am from made up words and running birds. I am from Nueveo Mexico. I am from Spain.”

People shared how discrimination affected them. Some said they feared critiquing their elders. Others noted socioeconomic challenges.

Nasreen Akhtar, relocating from Pakistan with her husband and son, Qasin, said she felt welcome in Durango and fortunate to find the EDI; her tears of joy reflected that.

“When I saw the group, I knew I could connect to it,” she said. “It’s such a great opportunity that nobody would ever understand,” she said. “I do (cry) because I am so thankful.”

bmathis@durangoherald.com

Mar 19, 2016
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