Madi Mcever, Campus Carrier Entertainment Editor
For many families in the United States, a safe home, healthy environment and employment opportunities are considered normal. For others, these things are not readily available. Refugees from other countries are great examples of such people.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) works to provide opportunities that help refugees thrive in America. This includes helping these disadvantaged people integrate into the job market, gain citizenship, reunite with family, get an education and live a healthy life full of promise.
This Saturday, the Berry College Department of Religion and Philosophy, Berry Muslim Heritage Group and Unitarian-Universalism at Berry College (UUBC) will be co-sponsoring a benefit concert for the IRC. The concert will feature Berry alumnus Marc Johnson and Miwase, a band that dabbles in different international styles of music.
“We are grateful and honored to be doing this concert for them,” said Jeffrey Lidke, Associate Professor of Religion. “It is a great organization.”
Jim Watkins, Associate Professor of English and member of Miwase, said that the money collected at the concert will specifically benefit a summer youth program initiated by IRC. This program invests in the lives of refugee youth and encourages interpersonal interactions as well as community involvement.
Fakhria Hussain, alumna (13), became involved with the IRC when she and her family came to the United States as refugees from Afghanistan. After completing her education at Berry, she was hired by IRC to work in these youth programs. Hussain, along with another IRC employee, will be attending the benefit concert to share more about the mission of IRC and tell students how they can help create a better life for refugees in their communities.
The concert promises to be a cultural experience full of fun and reasons to dance. “Miwase” (from a Beninese tribal dialect) means, “come join us,” and that is the hope of the band members, that everyone will feel welcome and unite for a common cause.
There will definitely be something for everyone.
“We play a lot of different styles,” Watkins said. “We are going to play Latin, Reggae, New Orleans funk, [etc.].”
With so many international music styles to enjoy, it would be difficult to pass up such a colorful concert.
When asked what he would like for attendees to take away from the experience, band members Watkins and Lidke had insightful comments.
“I’d like for them to remember having done something good for the IRC, and that they had a fun time doing it,” Watkins said.
“I would hope for students who aren’t ware of the IRC to become aware of it,” Lidke said. “I hope they get a rich experience with some great music.”
Students are encouraged to attend the concert on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Ford Auditorium to support a great cause and have some fun.