The Whitestown Human Relations Commission has tentatively scheduled three inaugural events for 2017.
The commission is tasked with educating and providing a method to promote inclusion, celebrate diversity and prevent discrimination in Whitestown.
“Whitestown is growing and has become more and more diverse over the years, so the commission is there to ensure the equality and recognition of everyone,” said Yoskisha Rollins, president of the commission.
The Juneteenth event, an event that recognizes the emancipation date for slavery, is tentatively scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. June 17 at Walker Park. Rollins said the Juneteenth event is a major milestone in the history and freedom of slaves.
A Pride event is tentatively scheduled for June 3. The event will feature a King and Queen Drag Show. Rollins said this is the first Pride event in Whitestown.
A Diwali event is tentatively scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 21. Diwali, celebrated by Jains, Sikhs and Hindus, is a festival celebrated each year in the fall and will include a pot-luck, fireworks and henna tattoo booth.
“The commission was formed to bring awareness and education to the Whitestown community about diversity and different cultural backgrounds and to communicate to the area that Whitestown is a very diverse town to live in,” Rollins said.
The next regular Whitestown Human Relations Commission meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 11 in the Public Hall of the Whitestown Municipal Complex, 6210 Veterans Dr.
For information, visit whitestown.in.gov or follow the Whitestown Human Relations Commission on Facebook.
