Unity in the Community celebrates cultures

For the 28th year as the region's largest multi-cultural celebration, Unity in the Community gathered people from the many cultural and racial communities in the region to celebrate diversity, build understanding and foster respect among those communities and the wider community.

'Sowing Compassion, Growing Communities" was the 2022 theme for the Aug. 20 event in Riverfron Park in Spokane, said co-chairs of the organizing team, Mareesa Henderson and April Anderson.

"Our goal is to enhance the betterment of the Northwest's diverse communities, promote unity and connection among all people through community education and awareness," pointed out April and Mareesa, explaining the mission. "We also seek to serve the most underrepresented people to create equity and inclusion."

A young woman from the Indian Youth Club of Spokane spoke before she danced.

She discouraged people from comparing themselves with others and advised: "We need to be happy with who and what we are."

That set the tone for the mission of Unity in the Community.

 Vendors were set up in a Youth Fair, Career and Education Fair, Health Fair, Early Learning Fair, and General Vendors.

The event included more than 110 booths in the Clock Tower Meadow and on the Howard St. Bridge.

Children who received stamps at each booth in the Cultural Village received free back-to-school backpacks.

Entertainers throughout the day on the main stage included dancers, singers, musicians,  gymnasts, drummers and speakers representing African-American, Native American, Asian Indian, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, African, Middle Eastern and more cultures.

More than 30 sponsors made the event possible.

For information, visit unitynw.org