Unity Fest celebrates Diversity - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Unity Fest celebrates Diversity

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

More than a dozen different cultures were represented at today's Unity Fest in Davenport's Putnam Museum.

Through music, art, and dance, our differences were celebrated.

"It's all about appreciating people who are different from you," says Kim Riley-Quinn, program director, QC United.

Different QC groups brought traditions from around the world together.

"Sometimes people don't realize just how many different cultures make up our quad cities and how much our area is changing and it's exciting,"

Kids belly danced on stage to show off the rich culture of the middle east.

"I like the costumes they wore and it's a really traditional way to belly dance," says Carmen Lopez, a belly dancer.

Others performed Native American drumming and Vietnamese Dragon Dancing.

And even though each performance was completely different, everyone shared the joy of diversity.

"I think it's really a good opportunity to really get a chance to learn about other dancing. Other cultures have different dancing and it's good to get together and see everyone's unique dancing style," says Samantha Karadsheh, a belly dancer.

The festival also focused on a new antibullying program that promotes learning through our differences.