The featured speaker for the Cultural Diversity Committee 30th annual Black History Luncheon on Feb. 21 will be a familiar face.
“This being our 30th anniversary of the Black History Luncheon, the group decided that instead of bringing someone from the outside to do the speaking, that we could just have someone from within the organization, keeping it all centralized here,” said Alvin Riney, the committee’s president and the event’s featured speaker.
Riney said he will talk about the possibilities of cultural diversity.
“The title of my topic is ‘What if?,” he said. “I will expound from there. It’s going to be along the lines of cultural diversity, community relations, what individuals are thinking about themselves and their neighbors.
“Of course, I’ll be saying a little something about the organization and its purpose and what we’re trying to do toward the future.”
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at Corpus Christi Center of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Imperial. Tickets are $40 each and include a lunch catered by Frankie Gianino’s of Imperial, as well as live music, raffles and special awards.
Riney said he believes his organization has made an impact on Festus-Crystal City, where it has been based, as well as in the county as a whole.
“I think the Cultural Diversity Committee has made a difference with the luncheon, because we’ve gotten a diverse crowd in attendance and everyone we’ve talked to afterward has always been very complimentary about the things they’ve learned and about the experience at the luncheon,” Riney said. “So, we have accomplished something. And, a lot of people look forward to coming the following year.”
He said he once again looks forward to hearing the live music at the luncheon.
“Of course, the (Missouri Big Band) will be there playing again,” he said. “They’ve been performing for us a good 10 years, I don’t know exactly. Probably more than 10 years. The other musical entertainment will be the Owens Family. They play gospel.”
The Cultural Diversity Committee uses the luncheon to raise money for the Douglass Alumni Scholarship Fund.
Riney said he encourages adults to bring youngsters.
“We are constantly trying to get more schools sending student delegations to the event,” he said. “Festus is always there. St. Pius is always there. It’s important for young people to hear the messages presented.
“If we can get the young ones in there and pique their interest and let them learn something, it’s not just Black history, but history, period. And, about fellowship – don’t just stay in your own little corner or whatever, people coming together for one common purpose.”
For ticket information, call Riney at 314-402-7883 or Denise Brown 314-766-0044 or go to the CU Diversity page on Facebook.