Despite snow flurries and slick roadways, people came out Friday for Life Help’s Cultural Diversity Day.
The event was held at the Leflore County Civic Center.
“We’ve got a good turnout, and we’ve got good food,” said Dorothy Robertson, public relations/information manager for Life Help.
This year’s theme was “A Taste of Jamaica,” which featured Jamaican delicacies as well as more traditional fare.
The speaker was Dr. Sherrill Morris-Francis, a native of Jamaica and an assistant professor of criminal justice and graduate coordinator at Mississippi Valley State University.
Albertstein Johnson-Pickett of the state Department of Mental Health, who is chair of the department’s Multi-Cultural Task Force, traveled from Jackson for the program.
“Actually, the only time I saw any type of precipitation was in Lexington. When I got here, there was no problem at all. No patches of ice or anything like that,” she said.
Dr. William Ware of Greenwood, who has attended past programs, said Friday’s was very good. “They seem to be better each time. The displays, I’m impressed with that, and the food was great,” he said.
Dr. Oko Elechi, an associate professor of criminal justice at Valley, said Friday’s program was the first he’s attended. He said he discovered there are many similarities in foods between his native Nigeria and Jamaica.
Jodian Staple, a master’s student at Valley and a native of Jamaica, said the program was informative.
“I’m enjoying it a lot,” she said.
Phaedre Cole, executive director of Life Help, said the program has covered a lot of cultures in the almost 20 years it has been held.
“I think we’ve travelled to Asia, to Russia and done other things as well, such as military culture and Native Americans,” she said.
She said it is “a positive thing for our community” and “one of Life Help’s signature events.”
•Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
