A large crowd fills the RHS commons Saturday visiting booths and displays representing countries and cultures around the world.
|
|
Ravenwood's annual fest celebrates school's cultures
By JODI RALL
For Brentwood Home Page
Shaima Abdelwahed, an eighth-grade Woodland Middle School student, was representing Egypt at Saturday’s fourth annual Ravenwood International Food & Music Festival. Asked about the recent news coming from and about her family’s native country, she broke into a huge smile.
“My family is dancing in the streets celebrating. This is a good thing,” Shaima said.
There was a lot of dancing and celebrating going on inside the east Brentwood high school’s performing arts center and commons on Saturday.
Colorful flags, beautiful costumes and food from countless cuisines brought the rich diversity of the school’s population to the forefront.
Kwame Lillard, representing the African-American Cultural Alliance, made note of the fact that on Feb. 11, 1990 – almost 21 years to the day -- Nelson Mandela was released from a South African prison.
Melba Checote-Eads proudly displayed a proclamation from the State of Alabama recognizing her grandfather Chief Samuel Checote as “The Great Chief” of the Creed Nation while young Edmondson Elementary student Caelen Gibbs listened intently as he learned about the history of the Indians who lived in Tennessee.
The American Vespucci Society represented Italy and the food its members served up was far better and more authentic than the “Italian” fare found and many chain restaurants.
With over 22 countries represented within the Ravenwood community, the festival was founded as a way for students to share their own customs and beliefs while learning about others.
|
Email
Print
