The rich tapestry of Syracuse’s many cultures is being celebrated this weekend with a free event that aims to connect people of different backgrounds and beliefs. The “Building Bridges Community Festival” has a special focus on youth and food justice.
The festival, originally known as the Duck Race to End Racism, is marking its 25th anniversary. Director of the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter said she hopes the event fosters listening and understanding.
“We lift up collaboration, we lift up respect, we lift up our celebrating and supporting each other through our differences and we lift up dialogue, getting to know each other as human beings," Matthews-Carter said. "I think that this kind of event is important because it really helps us find bridges as opposed to divides.”
While some political factions seek to exploit differences from race and immigration status to sexual orientation and education... Matthews-Carter said they strive for unity.
“When people come and they see the culture, the food, different things, people, their minds are more open," Matthews-Carter said. "And so I think this family-friendly fun event helps to create that safe space and that space of relaxation and fun.”
Executive Director of Interfaith Works Beth Broadway said while part of their mission is to settle refugees, they’re also a vehicle for people who want to help those in need.
"On so many levels, not only for the people we serve, but also for people who want to make sure that people aren't hungry, who want to make sure that people have jobs, who want to help people integrate into the community.”
To honor their anniversary, they’re giving away more than 200 bags of fresh fruits and vegetables as part of their food justice program. The Building Bridges Community Festival is Sunday from 2 to 6 p-m at the Inner Harbor.
