Published February 5 2019
Due to travel safety concerns related to sub-freezing night temperatures, the Cultural Conversations night event set for Feb. 6 has been postponed. The event will likely be rescheduled to a date in March.
Cultural Conversations, the popular discussion group aimed at increasing cultural understanding and connection, will host its fifth annual evening event on Wednesday, Feb. 6. The event is open to the public and will be 7-9 p.m. at City Hall (450 110th Ave. NE).
The program – “Transcending Boundaries, Transforming Community” – will feature storytellers sharing how they broke boundaries in their youth to pursue their dreams and are now giving back. Following the stories, participants will connect in table conversations.
Po: “I Belong in Both Places”
Po, a graduate of Interlake High School, immigrated to Bellevue as child from Bangkok, Thailand. His involvement in the city’s Youth Link program helped him feel a sense of belonging and taught him that being part of community involved taking responsibility. Previously, civic engagement felt foreign to Po, given a lack of visible role models. Now he’s passionate about youth contributions to the community and inspires students both in Bellevue and Thailand.Daniela: “Seeds of a Dream”
Amidst chaos following a military coup during the ‘70s in Santiago, Chile, a family was exiled to Seattle to begin a new life. Two decades later, when they were free to return home, two young people met and were married. Daniela dared to dream of the promise of life in the U.S., was determined to learn English, pick up American customs and shatter stereotypes. The boxes Daniela is asked to check don’t fully describe who she is or how she inspires her children to dream.Jean D’Arc: “Power in the Moment”
Facing death taught Jean D’Arc the power of being in the moment. He strives to make change for good every day. Jean D’Arc was a child in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a refugee in Rwanda and Kenya. He is now a dean and senior international officer at Bellevue College. He has faced hardship and still thrived in many parts of the world by finding the humanity in others.
The forum is free and open to all members of the public, as well as children ages 13 and up. Parking is available in the P2 level of the city’s parking garage (accessible from 112th Avenue Northeast) on a first-come basis. For more information and accommodations or to RSVP, please contact NeighborhoodOutreach@bellevuewa.gov or call 425-452-6836.