Diverse Celebrations of the Fourth

July 5, 2003

Source: The Fresno Bee

http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/7075171p-8008034c.html

On July 5, 2003 The Fresno Bee reported that "a midmorning picnic at California State University, Fresno's J.E. O'Neill Park drew more than 300 people Friday, many eager to show that the Fourth of July is more than fireworks -- it is a time to celebrate the nation's pluralism. Chinese-Hmong dancers, Japanese Taiko drummers, Valley heartland folk players, flamenco dancers and others performed on a stage next to picnic tables... 'Fresno is such a diverse place,' said Kim Lang of North Fork. 'You can find all the races in Fresno...' The sixth annual Diversity Brunch, organized by the Interfaith Alliance of Central California, is held on Independence Day to breathe fresh life into the Declaration of Independence, said Bryan Jessup, minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Fresno."