Faith in the Next Generation: Celebrating diversity in Forest Hills
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Some of the winning entries from the ‘Diversity in your community’ competition in Forest Hills.
Molly Sword
Last Tuesday, students from Forest Hills & Rego Park schools participated in ‘diversity in your neighborhood’ competition. It was a night of remembering the importance of embracing diversity to create a sense of belonging and unity within the community. PS 174, JHS 157, PS 144 and 101 had winners in the art essay competitions, “but they are all winners,” said Heidi Chain, organizer of the event.
Ridgewood Savings Bank on Queens Blvd. was the site of the awards ceremony.
Queens is often referred to as ‘ the world’s borough’ as a reflection of how diverse the county is. Forest Hills in Queens is renowned as a friendly and family-friendly neighborhood and one that represents and respects diversity. Therefore, events like the one held last Tuesday play a vital role in strengthening this diversity and combating discrimination. To ensure that the positive qualities that define Forest Hills are preserved for future generations.
On the night local school children from second and seventh grade presented their submissions for the diversity competition. The children who had each spent many hours working extremely hard on their projects, showcased an impressive array of essays and artworks. Each piece highlighted what diversity means to them and what it means to live in a diverse and inclusive neighborhood.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the evening was how children as young as seven could capture the meaning of inclusivity. The children spoke of how they view all their friends as equals, valuing who they are as a person rather than the color of their skin or cultural background. They also emphasized the importance of celebrating each other’s diverse cultures and differing traditions as a way of promoting mutual respect for all. Chain, who was a key figure in the organization of the event, said she was proud of ‘how all children embrace each other’. The presentations served as a powerful reminder of a concept so many people in today’s world do not live by, that all people are people. It is this mentality, which is so important to promote, especially when living in a diverse community such as Forest Hills. Many left feeling optimistic about the future of supporting diversity in Forest Hills, with the general consensus being that of having hope for the future generation.
The winners of the competition were Ariella Pinkhas, Ayad Osman, Mirkovic Gayle, Reese Lee, Yadana Maigua, Sumaira Suha, Eric Trant, Julia Taormina, Alexander Tseung, Mila Michovic Gayle, Phoenix Williams
The evening also included the sharing of dishes from various local restaurants, highlighting the diverse flavors of the community. The act of commensality, sharing food, is vital for creating social bonds. It not only strengthens the relationships but also enhances the sense of belonging in the community. When intertwined with cuisine from a range of cultures, this allows for meaningful connections to be made across cultural boundaries. The food options included Chinese, Cuban, Italian, Mexican and more. By the end of the night, everyone left feeling full and happy to have bonded with other members of the community. Then of course, there was cake at the end, with extra big slices set aside for the winners of the competition as a thank you for all their hard work!
A meeting in the local community such as this also provides an important platform for discussing neighborhood concerns and collaborating to find solutions. During the event, members of the local police force spoke to residents to address their concerns and outlined their plans to enhance safety in the community. This interaction highlighted why meetings such as this are both insightful and productive. It was a chance for everyone from children to seniors to feel heard and respected, reinforcing trust and strengthening the social bonds between those in the local community.
The evening was a success for the Forest Hills community, bringing together diverse cultures and multiple generations, with the same goal, of strengthening community ties. The children are especially thanked by their community for their hard work on their competition entries and for reaffirming the importance of embracing and celebrating diversity in Forest
Hills.
