THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 11, 1994 TAG: 9408110554
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: KAREN JOLLY DAVIS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: EASTVILLE LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
It's possible to live next to people for years, decades and even generations, and not really know who they are.
Too often that's the case on the Eastern Shore. The black, white and Native American communities here have lived side by side since the early 1600s. But for the most part they live in separate neighborhoods, worship in different churches, and socialize at different events.
In Northampton County, a diverse group of citizens has decided that it's time to break that pattern. The Community Unity Council held two forums on racism in which people spoke frankly of their prejudices, hopes and concerns. From those forums, the idea for a Heritage Festival was born.
This Saturday in Eastville, Northampton County's first multicultural Heritage Festival will take the big leap from idea to reality.
``It's a celebration of the things that make us different, and how we're the same,'' said Julie Parker, one of the organizers of the event. ``We want to know more about each other.''
The festival will feature locally made food, arts, crafts and ethnic items. Artisans will demonstrate decoy and wood carving, quilting, chair caning and African strip weaving. There also will be music, storytelling, carriage rides and a parade.
The activities have taken three months to organize. Irene Walker of Franktown, a Native American whose ancestors were Monacans, is one of the event's key workers. Her tribal name is Winter Sun.
Walker belongs to a group of Native Americans who plan to perform several traditional dances at the festival. One will be the Friendship Dance, during which ``outsiders'' are invited into a sacred circle.
``The Eastern Shore was a melting pot during Colonial days for all people coming in,'' said Charlotte Collins, whose Aho Stwa tribe lived around Pocomoke and Occohannock creeks on the Eastern Shore.
``The history of Native Americans on the Eastern Shore was lost along the way, because our people were decimated or intermingled with the other cultures. People assume there are no Native Americans here. But it's not true.''
Collins said the Eastern Shore, with its natural beauty, is a particularly good place to practice her spiritual heritage.
``Every day we're reminded that we're all one,'' said Collins.
Just putting the festival together helped to break down racial barriers for some people. Margaret Washington, who lives in Exmore's New Road community, said she learned something about her white neighbors by working with them.
``We have some of the same ideas and thoughts about things. I found that out in some of the meetings,'' said Washington, an African American. ``The main thing is, we want the same things for our kids.'' ILLUSTRATION: Events
SATURDAY
10 a.m.: Parade from Northampton High to the courthouse
11 a.m.: Filipino dancing
11:30 a.m.: Storytelling by residents of Heritage Hall
Noon: The Legacy of Weyanoke, a jazz ensemble
1 p.m.: Black Heritage Poetry Reading
1:40 p.m.: Native American Dancing
2 p.m.: The Jazz Improv Band
3 p.m.: Native American Storytelling
3:40 p.m.: Native American Dancing
4 p.m.: Gospel music
Staff photos by PAUL AIKEN/
ABOVE: Jason Lily, 16, left, and Martez Doughty, 15, both of Exmore,
make signs for the Heritage Festival in Eastville on Saturday.
BELOW: Jo Ann Aigner will join other Native Americans performing at
the festival.
by CNB