Diversity Action Team hosts family event in downtown Janesville

JANESVILLE — What makes us different from — and the same as — each other was the focus of a fun, family event Saturday in Janesville, hosted by the Diversity Action Team of Rock County.

The event, held at the Town Square Pavilion in downtown Janesville on a breezy day under a bright sky with a hint of coming autumn, included a variety of vendors and activities.

“Everything that we are doing here today ties back to diversity,” said Edie Baron, a volunteer with the Diversity Action Team and coordinator of the event that was held in conjunction with the Janesville Farmers Market, said.

Family-focused fun included a DJ playing songs from around the world, an educational scavenger hunt, Paopei Khan demonstrating traditional Chinese dance, the Beloit Even Start Performers demonstrating traditional Spanish dance and cultural dress, and Main Street Heat demonstrating breakdancing.

Baron said the aim was to raise awareness of the existence of the Diversity Action Team of Rock County, founded 26 years ago, and offer entertainment, music, and education.

“We sound like such a serious group,” she said. “When you say diversity, people already have 12 different things that go through their head. We want to show them that we’re, fun too, and a farmers market is a good place to do this.”

Santo Carfora, a Diversity Action Team board member, said the group’s different events throughout the year include monthly Courageous Conversations. Next year they also plan to also partner with JPAC to on a stage show of cultural performances.

He said events like Saturday’s, teamed with the farmers’ market, also help reach a younger local audience.

“I’ve been doing this work since 1975. I taught Black Studies at Craig High School for almost 20 years,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of changes, but we’re not there yet. We have a long way to go. But we’re at least making some progress.”

More information is on the Diversity Action Team’s Facebook page.