The World Heritage Cultural Center (WHCC) celebrated diversity at the World of Colors Concert, a black tie/red carpet event on October 1 at Edmond Town Hall Theater.

“An exceptional cast of entertainers from across the globe performed, telling the stories of humanity,” said WHCC Founder Sattie Persaud.

In the hours before the event, performers arrived in the Alexandria Room on the town hall’s third floor, appearing in their colorful dress from their regions to meet with audience members and personalities from around Newtown. As a red carpet event, the pop of photography flashes could be seen as the performers mingled and chatted.

The event was the 246th World of Colors Concert, which has been performed across 16 states since 2009, but the first in Newtown. It boasted 10 performing groups, with performers from 21 countries and cultures, showcasing traditional arts, including Spain and Argentina, Manuel Trillo; Native American culture, The Daynomies; Mexico, Mazarte Dance Company; India, Anindita Nanda; Middle East (Egypt, Morocco, and Turkey), Aubre Hill; Jewish, Moldavian, Ukrainian, and Russian cultures, Barynya Entertainment; Tahiti and Hawaii, Kaiholunuie Polynesian Dance Company; Bolivia, Tradiciones Bolivianas; Bulgaria, Svet; and China, Isabella Yan.

“The World Heritage Cultural Center is a place where everyone is welcome and every culture is celebrated,” said Persaud. “WHCC is a unique organization that focuses on showcasing the differences between cultures to help bring us all closer together. Its work has touched the lives of thousands across the United States through shows just like the World of Colors Concert. Attendees of these shows embrace the unique beauty at the heart of humanity that lies in our differences and are able to connect with others through enjoyment of the arts.”

Hosts for the evening included women who hail from different cultural backgrounds, promulgating WHCC’s message of diversity: actress, producer and educator Isabella Hoffman; educator, mentor, and artist Gouta Mumcy Mpelege; and classical dancer, Indian classical vocalist, and scientist Anindita Nanda.

Mpelege said she was “thrilled” to be a part of the evening.

“World Heritage Cultural Center has proven that unity in diversity is the proper medicine for humanity,” she said.

Mpelege also acts as a Global Ambassador of Botswana for WHCC.

Nanda, too, welcomed the chance to be a cultural ambassador and help WHCC’s vision become reality.

“The world is one family,” she said. “Embracing the individuality we all have, accepting each as we are, and joining forces with the message of WHCC […] has been my holy grail. The WHCC message of cultural identity, tolerance, and inclusiveness are the pillars of our humanity.”

WHCC hosts frequent events to educate and empower the community. Money raised at the World of Colors Concert will defray the costs of these events, as well as help WHCC with its goal of securing a space in Newtown to act as its headquarters and also become an instant global destination. Having a headquarters will enable WHCC to generate income from activities at the center, rather than just depending on grants and donations. The center will also be a boon for the economic development of Connecticut.

“We want our communities and children to be proud of their cultural diversity, to feel like they belong,” Persaud said. “Diversity is the one thing we have in common, and it should be embraced and celebrated.”

Diversity is important to the community, as was noted by First Selectman Dan Rosenthal.

Rosenthal awarded WHCC with a proclamation on stage at the event, stating that October 1 is Diversity Day in Newtown. WHCC is also helping promote the importance of cultural diversity by establishing important relationships with local schools, including Newtown High School, where it is developing projects where youth from around the world can connect. WHCC’s Earth-Humanity-World project is part of that vision, using the power of the written word to tell the great stories of cultural diversity.

Newtown Rotary Chairman Alex Villamil said the organization was “so happy” to co-sponsor the event.

“The fact that so many groups from all over the world are participating brings an inclusive element to our community and we love that,” he said.

“When people learn about different cultural customs and values,” Persaud said, “respect follows.”

She also believes deeply in the importance of preserving cultural diversity to pass down to our future generations.

“Cultural diversity is as important to humanity as biodiversity is to nature,” said Persaud.

Upcoming events for WHCC include the Sandy Hook International Film Festival, planned for fall of 2023. Details are forthcoming for this and other cultural events put on by WHCC.

Associate Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.