MULTICULTURAL FEST
Corps joins Fort Monroe, Hampton University in multicultural celebration

Posted September 9, 2009
By Patricia Radcliffe
Casemate staff writer

9/9/2009 - FORT MONROE, Va. — Like an elaborate quilt, the culture of the United States is interwoven with traditions of societies that originate from all parts of the world. To celebrate this diversity, Fort Monroe and Hampton University are co-sponsoring events Sept. 25 and 26 that will highlight this country's heritage, and show gratitude to members of the Armed Forces.

Multicultural Day will take place on the parade field here inside the moat Sept. 25, beginning at 5 p.m., and admission is free and open to the public.

A Military Appreciation Day football game is scheduled Sept. 26, at Hampton University. Service members, their families, retirees and DoD civilians may purchase tickets for the reduced rate of $10.

To kick off the weekend's festivities, leaders from Monroe and HU will participate in a Partnership Signing Ceremony at the Casemate Museum on Sept. 25, at 2 p.m.

Following the ceremony, an exhibit depicting the lives of the emancipated slaves after they left "Freedom's Fortress" will be unveiled at 3:30 p.m., inside the museum. This collaborative effort will include resources on loan from the Hampton University Museum.

Norfolk District, Army Corps of Engineers will host an information booth at the fest site and the game and have mission experts on hand to provide information about a future with the Army Corps of Engineers.

"This partnership is part of the Army's Minority College Relations Program and our goal is that it will be enduring," said Stephanie Credle, director of Equal Employment Opportunity here and action officer for the upcoming celebration. "We already involved Norfolk District and Fort Eustis so that even after we close, Hampton University will continue (a relationship) with these and other military (organizations) in the area."

The weekend celebration includes a World Peace Flame ceremony at 5 p.m., on the parade field inside the moat. It will signal unity and the start of the Multicultural Day festivities.

"Multicultural Day emphasizes contributions all cultures bring to the American way of life. It is our opportunity to highlight not just the cultures targeted normally by the Equal Employment Opportunity Office for employment, upward mobility and awareness, but it also includes cultures like those of Irish, Greek, Caribbean and German-Americans. In all, we hope to include at least 14 cultures," Credle said.

Event hosts are currently seeking volunteers to help assemble displays for the various cultures represented. Items like artifacts, posters, books and flags can help show our appreciation for the variety of backgrounds that make up America, Credle noted. Those interested may also display their talents through the arts.

"I think it's important for two reasons. First, it shows the value each of us brings to the American culture. It is important to inspire unity that's not just across cultures, but the unity we have now in the partnership with Hampton University. Our charter for EEO and Equal Opportunity is to create awareness of diversity and the value diversity brings to the workplace," Credle said.

Diversity will be represented in multicultural cuisine, as well.

A Military Appreciation football game at Hampton University's Armstrong Stadium will pit the HU Pirates against the Delaware State University Hornets on Sept. 26, beginning at 6 p.m. A pregame show at 5:30 p.m. is scheduled to include the delivery of the game ball by the Silver Wings, a parachute team from Fort Benning, Ga.

For more information, contact the Fort Monroe EEO team at 788-3500.