by Cathy Slade

A visitor to Roslindale would not have to be told that it is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the City of Boston. One can clearly see that after spending an hour outside any business in Roslindale Village. The fact that the community relishes and appreciates diversity for diversity’s sake may be more hidden, however. Saturday, May 20, was a day to remember for Roslindale’s celebration of its diversity.

On that day, fairly new immigrants to our melting pot of a country showcased their musical culture. Sponsored by the Roslindale Adult Literacy Community Planning Group, a true musical extravaganza of international talent was held at the Sons of Italy Hall for the donation of a mere ten dollars. Attendees were entertained by musicians and dancers from around the world who now reside in or around Roslindale.

The fundraiser was part of the Roslindale Adult Literacy Community Planning Group’s fundraising week, held for the third year in a row. It always consists of a comedy night and a day of musical celebration. The purpose of this year’s events was to raise money to add an additional English as a Second Language (“ESOL”) course for Roslindale residents. According to a planning group member, a class will soon be in the works since they have now reached their fundraising goal. The need for this extra class is critical since at the present time, the demand for learning English is very high. There are 100 people on a waiting list to learn to speak basic English so that they can get jobs.

This year the planning group decided to do something different by holding the musical performance on a Saturday to attract more Roslindale residents. For the past two years, the event was held on a weekday at noon to allow people who work in the community a chance for lunch-hour entertainment. The planning group was very pleased with the outcome of this change in date.

Some of the entertainment I happened upon included a very young Bolivian girl dancing in beautiful and extremely colorful native attire. An older gentleman was very happy and lively as he played two types of guitars and regaled us with Mariachi music. My favorite was a trio of violinists, one male and two female, who played classical music. They are from Venezuela and are studying music in college in South Lancaster, Massachusetts.

In the midst of the entertainment, people paraded across the hall, in full native attire, introduced by name and country represented. The garb was so colorful, and the people so enthusiastic that the spirit of the event was nothing short of joyous.

Even some of the organizers dressed for the occasion. The emcee for the day was Maxine Hall of High Point Family Nurturing Program who was in full Jamaican garb. Lisa Rounds-Garrone, who runs the ESOL program at ABCD Southside Headstart, dressed herself and her nine-month-old son in Chinese attire. Another staff person wore Japanese clothing. Everyone else in the fashion show wore the clothes of their native land. The crowd was quite spirited, and everyone felt at ease being proud of their national heritage.

The Sons of Italy Hall was also the venue for the other fundraising event for the group, “Laugh for Literacy.” Attendees were entertained by six comedians who volunteered for the evening. Bill Campbell, a consultant to the group, is a comedian and asked his peers to perform for this good cause. He himself entertained us about family life and supposedly used examples from his own life to elicit laughter.

A young woman, who won a comedy contest recently in New York, had a very unique style and delivery. A middle-aged male comedian didn’t crack a smile as he delivered his jokes and a young man made fun of his black attire and Roslindale’s history to entertain us.

A female Iranian comedian joked about everyday situations found when living in America. As with anything, stereotypes can easily be something to laugh about. Her mother always wanted her to be a doctor or dentist, as many an Iranian parent does. She joked about her mother’s constant urging for her to go into medicine, and her Mom’s reaction to her being a comedian.

The final comedian was a master at involving the audience. He would comment or ask a question of an individual. From their responses, he would make hilarious asides that kept us all in stitches.

All in all, the six comedians did their share to illicit “laughs for literacy” and help raise money for a worthwhile cause.

Note: The groups in Roslindale who run ESOL classes and belong to the Roslindale Adult Literacy Planning Committee are: the Family Nurturing Center at High Point Village; ABCD Southside Headstart; Washington/Beech BHA; Casserly House; the Roslindale Branch Library and the Roslindale Community Center Cluster. Many associations and merchants in Roslindale support this effort.