Harmony Day intends to encourage messages of inclusion by adopting the approach of everyone identifying and then celebrating their ethnic and cultural heritage. This year’s theme of Everyone Belongs, was an important message to send.
On Harmony Day this year there was one particular event which I attended that really spoke of inclusion and exemplified this year’s theme that ‘everyone belongs’. It was, interestingly enough, a Hip Hop festival designed for all age groups that took place in Bankstown, New South Wales.
The 4Elements HipHop All-Ages Festival (which is set to run again during Youth Week in April) was designed to bring people of all-ages and ethnic and cultural heritages to embrace unity and acceptance as well as awareness of the socio-political climate in Australia (particularly in Western Sydney). Hip Hop became the platform and framework by which to discuss all of these elements as it is inherently a musical form about acceptance, belonging and harmony.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row parallax=”false” parallax_clr=”no-layer” pattren=”” top_margin=”1″ bottom_margin=”1″][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3108″ style=”vc_box_border” border_color=”white” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3111″ style=”vc_box_border” border_color=”white” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3112″ style=”vc_box_border” border_color=”white” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row parallax=”false” parallax_clr=”no-layer” pattren=”” top_margin=”1″ bottom_margin=”1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Images: (left to right) Matuse; Little Hunta; Munk of Renegades of Munk; Brotha Black.
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What does this event signify?
This event highlights that multiculturalism is not always about highlighting how many different cultures are in Australia, the different dress, the different food or the different language, but it runs deeper. When differences no longer matter and interaction is based on the sole purpose of enjoying culture (no matter which one) with other human beings, then multiculturalism is working.
Multiculturalism is a continually evolving concept and without discussion cannot progress. One of the most engaging parts of the Hip Hop festival was not its gallery, live street art or live performances but the Industry Panel discussion on racism, ethnicity, multiculturalism, transnationalism and the relevance of youth movements. This is a key highlight as it is part of the building blocks for multiculturalism and harmony. Social conversation needs to be conducted if the negative aspects in society are to be recognized. For without this recognition the concept of everyone belonging cannot truly be attained. This where the essence of Harmony Day must exist if we are to dance to the tune of belonging.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row parallax=”false” parallax_clr=”no-layer” pattren=”” top_margin=”1″ bottom_margin=”1″][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3113″ style=”vc_box_border” border_color=”white” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3114″ style=”vc_box_border” border_color=”white” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row parallax=”false” parallax_clr=”no-layer” pattren=”” top_margin=”1″ bottom_margin=”1″][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
Seen (left to right): Industry Panel: John Khilla aka Dj MK1, Dr. Rebecca Sheehan and Dr. Omid Tofighian; Vyvienne Abla, Event Director of Vyva Entertainment; right, Rob Scott, Source Music and Tim Caroll, Director of BYDS.
All Images Courtesy of Chris Woe Photography.
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