From left to right, Gregory Christian, Nahida Farunia, Bob Blum, and Marcellus Christian

The Diversity Potluck held at the Lakewood Women's Pavilion on Thursday January 21 was a wonderful event with close to 100 people attending. It was hosted by the Lakewood Community Relations Advisory Commission and the Lakewood High School RAD (Race And Diversity) Club. In the spirit of Martin Luther King, who frequently referred to the idea of building, "the beloved community," the event brought together Lakewood's different faiths, diverse ethnic and racial groups, gay and lesbian residents and folks of all ages to break bread together and get to know each other better.

The event started with a fun activity led by council member Nickie Antonio called "ice breaker bingo." Whoever filled up their different squares with a persons name that applied to each question like "are you a vegetarian" or "observes Ramadan" won a prize. It was fun and a great way for everyone to talk, mix and mingle. The prizes were donated by many local businesses including Aladdins, 2 Dads Diner, Winking Lizard and Green Smart Gifts. Dinner followed the ice breaker with fabulous potluck dishes provided by attendees. Everything from Hummus with pita bread and shepard's pie to chicken paprikash and collard greens was on the buffet table. The coffee was donated by the two locally owned coffee houses, The Root Cafe and bela dubby, and pizzas were donated by Nunzios, Angelos, Geppettos, and Donatos. A big thank you goes out to these community minded businesses.

The Lakewood Community Relations Advisory Commission which was founded in 2005 serves in an advisory capacity to city council on matters reguarding community relations. It is made up of residents who are appointed by city council members and the mayor. The current members include Moira Dugan, Nahida Farunia, Steve Greenwell, Joe Lobozzo, Litha Macon, Paula Maeder Connor, Greg Mahoney, Dan Saracina, David Stein, April Stoltz and Kyle Weigand.

In thanking the RAD club, the reminder announcement was made about RAD being featured in the current exhibit at the Western Reserve Historical Society. The exhibit is titled "Choosing to Participate" and is sponsored by the national foundation Facing History and Ourselves and runs through February 25. It features people and communities who have challenged racism and bigotry- community upstanders- as opposed to bystanders. Our Lakewood High School RAD club was choosen as one of 25 upstanders in the Cleveland area.

We have alot to be proud of in Lakewood. The Diversity Potluck and the RAD Club's work and successes are two more reasons why this is a great city to live in.