Dear Readers, Wow! Tomorrow marks the 250th anniversary of the approval by the Second Continental Congress of the final text of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. So launched a new nation brimming with hope and high ideals!
Our history has been a very bumpy one. Terrible things have happened along the way, along with many good things we can celebrate. The nation was founded on the assertion "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
The language is imperfect, and it would be a gross understatement to say that we have not always lived up to those ideals. Yet, it is equally true that throughout our history, many people have challenged prevailing forces—often at great personal risk—to move the United States closer to those lofty aspirations.
For me—and perhaps I am not alone in this—celebrating the 250th anniversary means honoring both the radical spark of that message from 250 years ago and the immense, ongoing efforts of those who have struggled, and continue to struggle, to bridge the gap between ideals and reality.
Coincidentally, this month also marks the 25th anniversary of The Worldview Project, the nonprofit organization behind the San Diego Participant Observer online magazine, and this newsletter.
Over those 25 years, Worldview Project has produced numerous music and dance festivals (Harmony and Motion), even more cross-cultural nonprofit fairs (Harmony in Action), a wide range of lectures and presentations, collaborations with many partner organizations, the Participant Observer, our wonderful International Book Club (now entering its 12th year!), and, most recently, the Cultures in the Classroom curriculum project, which is slated for full launch this fall.
None of this would have been possible without the heartfelt dedication of innumerable volunteers and interns, our recently hired staff (all three of them!), our Board of Directors, our major donors—the Peacemaker's Fund and the Sharon Payne Fund—and the many individuals whose smaller contributions have sustained and encouraged our work. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has found value in what we do and supported our efforts to promote "Greater Cross-Cultural Awareness, Appreciation, and Engagement."
It has been an extraordinary privilege to work alongside so many thoughtful, passionate, and generous people who share these ideals and are committed to building a world that is more compassionate, more open to experience, and better informed about the extraordinary cultural creativity humanity has expressed in countless ways across the world and throughout history. Three cheers—times a thousand—to everyone who has helped make this possible!
On the events!
Only a soupçon of cross-cultural events this week, but I'm sure there will be plenty of fireworks for all to enjoy! The San Diego County Fair wraps up on Sunday—last chance to immerse yourself in exuberant Americana and some global performances. The House of USA will hold its annual Lawn program which will feature American traditional folk, country, rock-n-roll, and jazz music; patriotic songs; and reading of poems by American authors.. Next Tuesday there will be a Tanabata Festival at the Japanese Friendship Garden celebrating "the ancient tale of star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, who reunite just once a year across the Milky Way." And next Friday will be the 7th Latina Geeks’ Day Celebration at Papa which "honors the history and impact of Latinas in tech and entrepreneurship."
Tonight at the Pechanga Arena, Spanish singer, songwriter, and actress Rosalía will perform. Next Friday Barcelona-based female sextet Maruja Límon will perform at the Esptein Family Amphitheater, and acclaimed Scottish singer Iona Fyfe will perform at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre in Balboa Park.
Theater options include North by Northwest (opens tonight!) at the Old Globe, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (last show is tonight) at Tenth Avenue Arts Center, and Measure for Measure, also at the Old Globe.
Film aficionados might want to check out two Digital Gym screenings: All About Lily Chou-Chou this Sunday and WTO/99 next Friday.
Other notable events include a talk by Gus Constantellis on Wednesday at the Coronado Library, where he will discuss his book My Greek Mom’s Recipes. Next Thursday, Constantellis will also perform stand-up at Mic Drop Comedy, and next weekend multi-talented actor, comedian, and director Marlon Wayans at the same venue. Cross-Cultural Events in the Next Two Weeks:
Festivals, celebrations, and community events: San Diego County Fair • House of USA Lawn Program • Tanabata Festival • Latina Geeks’ Day Celebration • House of Somalia Lawn Program • House of France Lawn Program • Bastille Day French Market. Music and/or dance performances: Rosalía • Maruja Límon • Iona Fyfe • SDBlackACD Music Festival • Mohama Saz, The Loons, Saguaro • Distant Worlds Final Fantasy. Interesting talks around town: Poisoned Waters • Inca Quipu Workshop • Art of Protest • ARTS After Dark Kintsugi Workshop. Film festivals and special movie screenings: All About Lily Chou-Chou • WTO/99 • Persepolis. Books and literature lovers are sure to enjoy: Book Talk: My Greek Mom’s Recipes. Food and Drink events: Umeboshi (Japanese Pickled Plums) Workshop. Local theatrical productions: North by Northwest • The Rise and Fall of Little Voice • Measure for Measure • The Family Album. Visual Arts events: Huichol Art Creations Workshop. Comedy performances: Gus Constantellis • Marlon Wayans • Sasha Nezlobin. Special Exhibitions: Boarder Crossings.
Lastly, the Worldview Project, which produces this newsletter every week (and does lots of other stuff too!), is a non-profit organization. Supporting cross-cultural awareness, understanding, and engagement has never been more critical than it is now. As you may have noticed, we don't annoy you with advertisements or constant fundraising appeals. But we need your support to continue to do what we do. In particular, we are seeking our readers' help in funding the further development of our Cultures in the Classroom™ curriculum project to inspire children to connect with and appreciate the wonder of cultures around the world. You can show your support by clicking on the Donate to the WVP button above and making a tax-deductible donation to the WVP. No donation is too small— even a dollar would be appreciated!
Cross-Cultural Events in the Next Two Weeks:
Festivals, celebrations, and community events: San Diego County Fair • House of USA Lawn Program • Tanabata Festival • Latina Geeks’ Day Celebration • House of Somalia Lawn Program • House of France Lawn Program • Bastille Day French Market. Music and/or dance performances: Rosalía • Maruja Límon • Iona Fyfe • SDBlackACD Music Festival • Mohama Saz, The Loons, Saguaro • Distant Worlds Final Fantasy. Interesting talks around town: Poisoned Waters • Inca Quipu Workshop • Art of Protest • ARTS After Dark Kintsugi Workshop. Film festivals and special movie screenings: All About Lily Chou-Chou • WTO/99 • Persepolis. Books and literature lovers are sure to enjoy: Book Talk: My Greek Mom’s Recipes. Food and Drink events: Umeboshi (Japanese Pickled Plums) Workshop. Local theatrical productions: North by Northwest • The Rise and Fall of Little Voice • Measure for Measure • The Family Album. Visual Arts events: Huichol Art Creations Workshop. Comedy performances: Gus Constantellis • Marlon Wayans • Sasha Nezlobin. Special Exhibitions: Exhibit: Boarder Crossings.
Everyone here at the
San Diego Participant Observer and the
Worldview Project wish you fulfilling, illuminating, and culturally-rich experiences in the days ahead. See you next week!
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