Somos RWC: Celebrating Diversity and Unity in Redwood City

Redwood City, CA

At a time when the language around immigration only seems to deepen division and hate, "Somos RWC" exhibit stands as a powerful counter-narrative. Held at 1900 Broadway, this exhibit, brought to life by Social Focus in collaboration with Peninsula 360 PressGlobal ExchangeCasa Circulo Cultural, and  and the support of the Redwood City Arts Commission celebrates the richness of multicultural identities that make Redwood City a vibrant community.

"Today, more than ever, it is critical to recognize the value of immigrants in our society, our community, our city, and Redwood City," states the introduction to the exhibit.

Following destructive and false comments made by former President Donald Trump about migrants serving as a scapegoat for his campaign on the political stage, this exhibit is an important reminder of how immigrants do so much good in our society. His heinous words, accusing migrants of crimes, and even the ridiculous idea of immigrants living luxuriously at the expense of others, are contrasted by the real stories of resilience, hard work, and community spirit showcased in "Somos RWC."

"We all know that Trump's words are simply not true," states an exhibit curator. "His rhetoric creates hate against our communities, promotes an idea of white supremacy, and completely misrepresents who migrants are."

The "Somos RWC" exhibit is an opportunity to correct these misconceptions and recognize the true value of diversity. It humanizes the all too often dehumanized immigrant, making their work and lives visible.

One of the stories featured in this exhibit: Jiawei Wang and Manny Vargas, are a couple whose love bridges different cultures and continents. To know more about this story, click here.

Their story, like many others in the exhibit, highlights the beauty of ethnic diversity and the strength it brings to the community. The exhibit features personal narratives from individuals of various backgrounds, each sharing their unique perspectives on diversity and community. Reenu Ramana reflects on her role during the pandemic: "I played an essential role by producing meals for incarcerated people." While Mele Baihola emphasizes the importance of caring for the elderly: "In our culture, we care for old people, so we care for elders like our own family."

Hasan Turunc, originally from Turkey, beautifully encapsulates the essence of diversity: “Diversity is always good: It's enjoying a variety of ethnic foods and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. In Turkey, we say every flower has a different smell, so ethnicity is like a flower; with diversity, you solve all the problems. There is no hate.”

The exhibit also captures the reflections of residents on the significance of diversity in Redwood City. Ivanna, a school psychologist, notes, "The kids are exposed to different cultures and people from all areas of the world, not just a bubble of your city or area." Jemariah believes in the educational value of cultural exchange: "I believe it's important for all of us to learn about different cultures to understand each other better."

Swati, a local restaurant worker, shares her gratitude: "The community here is amazing. When we opened the restaurant, people helped us out. When we had a fire, they also helped us. Now, they come to the restaurant to help us. The city council also helped us a lot; they helped us during COVID, helping every business."

Liliana Acosta appreciates California's unique blend: "There is a lot of diversity in California, something you don't see everywhere else. We are in a very good melting pot." Her partner Mory sees diversity as a defining characteristic of the United States: "I think diversity is what makes the United States special; we have a piece of all cultures mixed into one."

By lending a building at 1900 Broadway to Casa Circulo Cultural, Lane Partners has provided a vital space for unity and belonging. This gesture has significantly impacted CCC's ability to serve disadvantaged Latinx families in the Bay Area. The building serves as a Gallery where this exhibit is now showcasing as well as a hub for classes, workshops, and community events, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among its participants.

"Somos RWC" is more than just an exhibit; it's a celebration of diversity and a testament to the strength and resilience of our immigrant communities. By telling these stories, we challenge harmful stereotypes and foster a more inclusive and understanding community. Visit "Somos RWC" at 1900 Broadway and be part of this important conversation. Together, we can build a future that celebrates and values the contributions of all its members.
Redwood City, CA

At a time when the language around immigration only seems to deepen division and hate, "Somos RWC" exhibit stands as a powerful counter-narrative. Held at 1900 Broadway, this exhibit, brought to life by Social Focus in collaboration with Peninsula 360 PressGlobal ExchangeCasa Circulo Cultural, and  and the support of the Redwood City Arts Commission celebrates the richness of multicultural identities that make Redwood City a vibrant community.

“Today, more than ever, it is critical to recognize the value of immigrants in our society, our community, our city, and Redwood City,” states the introduction to the exhibit.

Following destructive and false comments made by former President Donald Trump about migrants serving as a scapegoat for his campaign on the political stage, this exhibit is an important reminder of how immigrants do so much good in our society. His heinous words, accusing migrants of crimes, and even the ridiculous idea of immigrants living luxuriously at the expense of others, are contrasted by the real stories of resilience, hard work, and community spirit showcased in “Somos RWC.”

“We all know that Trump’s words are simply not true,” states an exhibit curator. “His rhetoric creates hate against our communities, promotes an idea of white supremacy, and completely misrepresents who migrants are.”

The “Somos RWC” exhibit is an opportunity to correct these misconceptions and recognize the true value of diversity. It humanizes the all too often dehumanized immigrant, making their work and lives visible.

One of the stories featured in this exhibit: Jiawei Wang and Manny Vargas, are a couple whose love bridges different cultures and continents. To know more about this story, click here.

Their story, like many others in the exhibit, highlights the beauty of ethnic diversity and the strength it brings to the community. The exhibit features personal narratives from individuals of various backgrounds, each sharing their unique perspectives on diversity and community. Reenu Ramana reflects on her role during the pandemic: “I played an essential role by producing meals for incarcerated people.” While Mele Baihola emphasizes the importance of caring for the elderly: “In our culture, we care for old people, so we care for elders like our own family.”

Hasan Turunc, originally from Turkey, beautifully encapsulates the essence of diversity: “Diversity is always good: It’s enjoying a variety of ethnic foods and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. In Turkey, we say every flower has a different smell, so ethnicity is like a flower; with diversity, you solve all the problems. There is no hate.”

The exhibit also captures the reflections of residents on the significance of diversity in Redwood City. Ivanna, a school psychologist, notes, “The kids are exposed to different cultures and people from all areas of the world, not just a bubble of your city or area.” Jemariah believes in the educational value of cultural exchange: “I believe it’s important for all of us to learn about different cultures to understand each other better.”

Swati, a local restaurant worker, shares her gratitude: “The community here is amazing. When we opened the restaurant, people helped us out. When we had a fire, they also helped us. Now, they come to the restaurant to help us. The city council also helped us a lot; they helped us during COVID, helping every business.”

Liliana Acosta appreciates California’s unique blend: “There is a lot of diversity in California, something you don’t see everywhere else. We are in a very good melting pot.” Her partner Mory sees diversity as a defining characteristic of the United States: “I think diversity is what makes the United States special; we have a piece of all cultures mixed into one.”

By lending a building at 1900 Broadway to Casa Circulo Cultural, Lane Partners has provided a vital space for unity and belonging. This gesture has significantly impacted CCC’s ability to serve disadvantaged Latinx families in the Bay Area. The building serves as a Gallery where this exhibit is now showcasing as well as a hub for classes, workshops, and community events, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among its participants.

“Somos RWC” is more than just an exhibit; it’s a celebration of diversity and a testament to the strength and resilience of our immigrant communities. By telling these stories, we challenge harmful stereotypes and foster a more inclusive and understanding community. Visit “Somos RWC” at 1900 Broadway and be part of this important conversation. Together, we can build a future that celebrates and values the contributions of all its members.

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This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

 

 

Somos RWC: Celebrating Diversity and Unity in Redwood City

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