By Susan Christian Goulding, OC Register
Hundreds of people gathered under the tall trees at Huntington Beach’s Central Park on Sunday, April 18, to show unity against racism and hatred.
It was a day to build community and make an effort to meet and talk to each other after a challenging year, Councilwoman Natalie Moser told the audience. She struck upon the idea of holding the community picnic celebrating diversity when flyers began circulating earlier this month calling for a white nationalist rally at the Huntington Beach Pier.
In keeping with the theme, food trucks offered a variety of treats – from Korean barbecue to Hawaiian shave ice to tacos to hamburgers to Nigerian kebabs. Visitors nibbled their menu choices while poets, musicians, speakers, artists and dancers performed and talked about personal experiences.
Speakers were to include U.S. Congresswoman Michelle Steel, California Sen. Dave Min, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris and Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley.
The purpose of the festive gathering, Moser said, was “to create new bonds and memories and build a brighter future for Huntington Beach.”
“It is an opportunity to join together and see our common humanity,” she said, “while also celebrating the beauty of our differences.”
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2021/04/18/with-food-trucks-and-music-huntington-beach-hosts-celebration-of-diversity-as-antidote-to-hate/
