The First Thousand Members Club will be hosting its first annual Harmony Fest in Junction City coming up in late August. The organization which was founded as a non-profit organization to connect Haitians together living in the Junction City area.
Martine Chery-Hilaire is the event organizer and explained why she formed the organization with her husband back in 2022.
“I experienced a lack of belonging when I came to America,” she said. “When my husband came over from Haiti, we decided to form this organization to initially connect with other Haitians.”
She also explained what the organization is looking to achieve with this event.
“The event is designed to highlight the rich diversity of Junction City,” she said. “Our goal with this event is to offer cross-cultural interactions with the activities we’ll have at the event.”
Chery-Hilaire says that the event is looking to represent over 30 countries and they’re anticipating over 300 people to attend.
There will be a number of activities at this event involving different foods, storytelling and stage and street performing.
Chery-Hilaire says that there are several things that need to be achieved for this event to occur, such as volunteers and people who are willing to represent their country. She is calling on the community to get behind the event.
Participants may share personal experiences with their integration into the community, projects ideas that foster unity and collaboration, or they can make suggestions on how best to promote inclusivity. Additionally, First Thousand Members Club will collaborate with local businesses, schools, and community groups to develop educational programs and resources focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The event will be on Saturday Aug. 24 from 3 to 10 pm at Heritage Park in Junction City weather permitting. Donations can be made via CashApp by sending donations to $1rst1000members. You can also contact Martine if you’re interested in participating at first1000members@gmail.com. To sign up to be a volunteer, you can click here.
