Vendors and families from the South Asian community, along with guests, gathered at 2182 Flatbush Avenue on June 25th to celebrate their culture and support minority and women-owned businesses in a pop-up bazaar and cultural event that was fun, diverse and educational for all.
The Foundation for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (FIDE), along with its partners, The Bridge, The Junction BID, Waldain Foundation, KAA, PASWO and COPO sponsored the event.
FIDE President and Founder Dr. Farhat Saba said that she wants to uplift her community and ensure that we get to “see all the colors” of diversity by holding events like this one, which celebrates South Asian culture and traditions, while promoting women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship.
According to Saba, about 75 people attended the event with representation from five South Asian countries: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Bhutan.
Women who were looking for something special to wear for the upcoming Muslim holiday of EID on June 28th could choose from a wide array of jewelry, accessories and bejeweled dresses, shoes and fabrics from Pakistan and India, while other guests delighted in finding something new to add to their wardrobe. There was also free henna and face painting as well as refreshments and food later in the day.
President of the Waldain Foundation Hina Rehman educated guests about cultural matchmaking practices by leading a matrimonial session, which was conducted with profiles of code-identified eligible bachelors displayed in a slideshow presentation and shared in a nationwide Zoom virtual conference.
The audience was treated to an energetic and spirited Afro-Brazilian percussion performance by Batalá New York, live music, dance and a cultural ramp walk with children and adults who joined in on the fun.
Mark Meyer Appel, Executive Director of The Bridge Multicultural and Advocacy Project, gave thanks to all the people who helped make the event a success, especially the children who gave a dance performance.
“Thank you so much. It was a beautiful dance,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about so let’s continue dancing for a better year and a good year.”
