Letter: The Importance and Excitement of Amherst’s Global Village Festival This Saturday

I am happy that the Indy has given such prominent space to the Global Village Festival, which will occur at the Amherst Regional High School on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m until 5 p.m. The rich program of entertainment will be presented by local individuals and groups from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and there will be food and vendors reflecting this variety. I note that in addition, there will be venues with games and crafts for all ages, and, from 11-1, bilingual storytelling appropriate for young children.

I mention all this, even though this event is self-recommending, because it feels like this year, more than ever, it is important that those attending the Festival reflect the diversity of those participating in it. The Town of Amherst’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Department has been responsible for organizing this event, and somehow these words have become objects of attack in some quarters and subjects of anxiety for some who understand that they embody America’s highest aspirations for itself.

So it seems important to remind ourselves that while the joys and richness of many cultural traditions will be on display, those offering them are our friends and neighbors in Western Massachusetts. Amherst has been exemplary in its commitment to these ideals, and we need to reaffirm that this commitment permeates our community and its members.

More information is available at https://www.amherstma.gov/3847/Global Village-Festival 

Michael Greenebaum was Principal of Mark’s Meadow School from 1970 to 1991, and from 1974 taught Organization Studies in the Higher Education Center at the UMass School of Education.  He served in Town Meeting from 1992, was on the first Charter Commission in 1993, and served on several town committees, including the Town Commercial Relations Committee and the Long Range Planning Committee.