Markham, ON-Racial harmony will be in the spotlight at the ninth annual Many Faces of Markham concert, featuring musical and dance performances, on Sunday, April 15, 2007. Sponsored by the Town of Markham's Race Relations Advisory Committee, this year's concert theme is "Living Diversity," in honour of the multicultural fabric of Markham.
A highlight of the event is Guest Speaker Dr. Jean Augustine, Fairness Commissioner for the Province of Ontario.
This year's concert features music and dance performances from professional and community groups with a diversity of background. The groups include: Jayadevan's Sariga Creations, Ritmik (African Drums), Nrutha Kala Kendra, and solo performers; Lisa Pinnock Fernandes, Nicole Leigh Bennett, Sarah Yoshida, Mark Braithwaite, Jenna Burke, Rob Davies, Ishwaria Chandrabala and Victoria Chan. These talented artists will take centre stage at the Markham Theatre for Performing Arts, 171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham.
"Being one of the most diverse communities in Canada, Markham is a great example of diversity in action," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "The strength of our future lies in recognizing the energy, determination and talents of everyone who makes Markham their home. We celebrate our differences and acknowledge our similarities, interacting with each other in mutual respect to foster racial harmony."
Census data from Statistics Canada reports that about 56 per cent of Markham residents (of its more than 265,000 population) are visible minorities – making it the municipality with the second highest proportion of visible minorities in Canada.
During the event, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Dr. Jean Augustine, Members of Markham Council and the Race Relations Advisory Committee will present awards to students from area schools who have earned literary and arts awards through competitions held by the Many Faces of Markham Organizing Committee.
The Town's Race Relations Committee promotes and increases the recognition of the richness of Markham's diverse cultures through events, seminars and concerts such as this one. The Many Faces of Markham celebration acknowledges March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as designated by the United Nations and proclaimed by Markham Council.
Many Faces of Markham Concert
Sunday, April 15, 2007 at 2:30 p.m.
Markham Theatre for Performing Arts
171 Town Centre Blvd., Markham
