During their lunch hour on June 15, DCSS employees visited China, Cuba, El Salvador, India, Mexico, Spain, Vietnam, and the countries of Africa.
They tasted the sweetness of coconut jelly, jackfruit and lychee in a Vietnamese Cocktail.
They marveled at the custom Punjabi dress - sewn with real pearls and stones and clapped in unison to the tune of “We Are One” written by a DCSS employee, who is a native to the Republic of Ghana in West Africa, and performed by the United Voices Choir.
They also chanted with a dancer as she yelled “hey, hey, hey” during a banda-style dance originated in Sinaloa, Mexico in the 1880s. The daughter of a DCSS employee, the dancer is part of the nonprofit dance group Folklorico Aztlan de Sacramento.
In all, there were more than eight cultures represented by 41 participants who hosted intricate displays complete with instruments, ceremonial clothing, photographs, books, maps, sculptures, and more. Some were first generation immigrants, some fifth generation and beyond. All were eager to share the stories and the traditions of their roots. The more than 150 in attendance appeared to be just as eager to take it all in.
“Not only are we rich in talents and skills, but we are also rich in cultural diversity,” said DCSS Chief Deputy Director Mark Beckley, from the center of the room. “This isn’t just a workplace; I also consider this to be our home.”
On the menu was a “Hoppin’ John” recipe made with okra and black-eye peas served by an employee who said her cultural influences stem from her grandfather from Arkansas. Black-eye peas were domesticated in West Africa 5,000 years ago.
Also on the menu was a dish of purple and white rice with cranberries called “Awakening of the Mind Fried Rice.” It was served by an employee who said her parents were born in Guangzhou (Canton) in southern part of China and immigrated through Angel Island in 1948 with only $5 to their name. Their six children and seven of nine grandchildren all have college degrees; the two youngest grandchildren are still in college.
Nearby, a DCSS employee born in China, attended to a line of event goers by painting their names in Chinese characters to have as a souvenir.
Attendees also enjoyed a classical Indian dance to close out the event. The six dancers of Rhythms of India shook the floor with each jump, skip and stomp as they performed classical dance styles in unison. The Bhangra, Telugu Folk and Bollywood dances were choreographed by a DCSS employee.
A video capturing all of the treats and entertainment is available here: http://bit.ly/292ZtGz
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Sheryl Watson, Information Officer II
California Department of Child Support Services
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