![Community members say “hello”at Muhammad Ali Center tomorrow [Local Profiles]](/sites/default/files/u5061/Hello%20Neighbor%20logo.jpg "Community members say “hello”at Muhammad Ali Center tomorrow [Local Profiles]")
According to Elizabeth Rauch, Communication and Marketing Associate at Muhammad Ali Center, “Hello Neighbor: Day of Dignity, Day of Compassion” is a free, community celebration intended to bring bring people in our community together - from refugees to students and performers, to local restaurant and business owners, to everyday families.
The inaugural event, which will be held tomorrow, November 10, at the Muhammad Ali Center from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., originated as a collaborative endeavor between the Muhammad Ali Center and the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of Louisville.
“There will be no shortage of activities at “Hello Neighbor”!” said Elizabeth. Game and craft stations will be on site offering attendees of all ages the chance to create friendship bracelets and family crests. A representative from the “1 Million Bones” project will also be present to assist interested attendees in making a bone to add to this collection.
The film “11Eleven”, a documentary featuring individuals from 179 countries around the globe capturing a moment in their lives on November 11, 2011 (11.11.11) will show at 2:30 p.m. “11Eleven” is meant to illustrate the striking similarities between people across nationalities and cultures while planting a seed of compassion in each viewer.
The event will include performances from local artists representing various cultures, as well as the Generation Ali Video Contest performers who will take the stage at 4 p.m., including contest winner “A Poet Nomad Ali,” and several entrants from Lindsey Wilson College. Cosa Seria, a local band that melds traditional salsa music with a modern twist, will also perform before the event wraps up around 6 p.m.
Beyond uniting members of the community, the event is intended to bring attention to the Muhammad Ali Center’s three main areas of focus: education, gender equality, and global citizenship, as well as the refugee community in the Louisville area. Donations will be collected through Operation Dignity and distributed by Kentucky Refugee Ministries. Lastly, the event is intended to further introduce the Muhammad Ali Center’s newest initiative, Generation Ali, to local residents.
“I expect the Muhammad Ali Center to be packed with excited visitors who want to enjoy themselves while meeting new people, learning about various cultures, and taking advantage of all that the day has to offer,” said Elizabeth.
Although admission to the event is free, donations are encouraged. Most needed items include: blankets, shower curtains, alarm clocks, can openers, and towels or washcloths.
For more information, visit: http://alicenter.org/calendar/event/65
Photo: Courtesy of Elizabeth Rauch
