Dr. Aruna Alexander speaking at the second anniversary of the City of Belleville’s joining the Coalition Against Racism and Discrimination. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News).
It was a celebration of the City of Belleville’s ever increasing diversity, and a large and colourful one it was Thursday night at the Greek Hall.
About 300 people, including many newcomers to Canada and the city, celebrated the second anniversary of the city joining the Coalition Against Racism and Discrimination.
Mayor Taso Christopher said that council and residents will continue to work toward making Belleville “The Friendly City” to one and all, no matter where they come from.
Dr. Aruna Alexander, who spearheaded the campaign to join the Coalition, thanked the Mayor, council and city staff for creating the Belleville Inclusion Committee and believing in making the city a welcome place for one and all.
She quoted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Chair of the Belleville Inclusion Committee, Councillor Garnet Thompson, said more work will be done to make the city as welcoming as possible for all people, no matter what nationality, gender, or culture.
In the past year, Quinte Immigration Services has helped 350 immigrants, including many Syrians, settle in the wider Quinte region.
One of the groups providing entertainment at the event was a chorus from the Loyola School of Adult and Continuing Education. The chorus was made up of students from almost 20 different countries, all studying English as a second language.
