Caregivers Helping Hand’s seventh annual Multi-cultural Family Day, which celebrates diversity and fosters cultural understanding among different communities, returns on Saturday, September 16, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Water Works Park in Tampa.
Featuring 12 countries promoting unity in the Tampa Bay area, the free event offers a range of attractions for families and pet owners. Attendees can enjoy multi-cultural food trucks, merchant vendors, and captivating dance and music performances representing various cultural backgrounds.
With more talent to be added, the event, hosted by Cloe Cabrera, features performers Bolivian Roots, Bomba Body Dance Drum Company, Natacha Zamor, Jamaican gospel reggae artist Bradda Biggs, Malih Band, an eleven-piece Latin band, Orquesta INFINIDAD, and the Orijin Foundation /SE Pam Collective.
Founder Richdean Hills-Ackbar’s vision for the Multi-cultural Family Day is to promote inclusivity and unity among all individuals, regardless of their background. The goal is to break down stereotypes and build bridges of understanding through cultural exchange.
The Multi-cultural Family Day will also feature a student art and writing contest. Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, and Pasco County students ages 13 – 18 will have their original work showcased, judged, and awarded at the event.
“This is an opportunity for the community to come together to learn about each other by sharing the richness of cultural diversities of the ritual of dance and food- the gifts that we have passed down, the stories we have shared and told our children and grandchildren,” said Richedean.
Natacha Zamor, founder of the Orijin Foundation, uses cultural dance to aid underserved communities’ health and wellness. She will present Chakacha, a traditional dance from coastal Kenya that involves controlled waistline winding and synchronized movements with drum rhythms. Her performance also includes Haitian Folklore dancing with drummers from the Se Pam Collective. Zamor is the only outsider authorized to perform and teach the cultural dance outside of Kenya.
“An event like this is important because we live in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic world, especially with what’s happening in Florida right now, and ignorance is cultivating fear. When we get to know each other and see what other people do as traditions, we realize we’re very similar, and it breaks down barriers. Events like this show where we live is not homogenous, made up of different people from different backgrounds, and it’s beautiful,” said Zamor.
Mohammed Malih is pleased to introduce the Malih Band, performing original music from Morocco, Africa, on unique African instruments like the Santir, a wooden Gnawa, and world-debuting a new song.
“We need to see different cultures and music that brings everybody together. Music is one of the things that 100% brings everyone together,” explained Mohammad.
Richedean is excited to introduce the community to many new cultural experiences.
“We are here to celebrate and include everyone, regardless of color, race, or country. Multi-cultural Family Day is about cultural inclusion and community diversity. My goal is to abolish common stereotypes and how we address and view others without getting to know them on a more personal level.
“Media stereotypes and racism affect our community, which different cultures may have about one another. The only way to break down the walls of misconception is by opening your heart and mind to new people who do not look or always act like you. This is an open invitation for you and your family to do your part and help bring a community together.”
Multi-cultural Family Day is in collaboration with Central Florida Community Planning and Development. For additional information about the event, vendor opportunities, and entertainers, please visit flmulticulturalfamilyday.com or contact Richedean Hills-Ackbar at caregiverstampa@gmail.com or via text/call at 813-431-1814.