Montgomery Ethnic Affairs Committee and Councilmember George Leventhal To Host Community Forum July 20

The CEA and Councilmember Leventhal's office will be seeking the thoughts of residents in regard to whether anything should be changed in the way holidays are currently recognized. The forum also will seek opinions on whether new holidays should be added to the county calendar. The forum also will offer an opportunity to ask general questions about the days of commemoration.

Date: Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Time: 7 p.m.
Location:
First floor meeting room
Rockville Library
21 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850

The original legislation for the Days of Commemoration was passed on March 28, 2006 (Bill No. 1-06: Special Days of Commemoration) and signed into law on July 7, 2006. This special law designates certain days of commemoration relating to the religious, ethnic, and cultural heritage of County residents.

"This legislation is a major step in the County paying tribute to, and acknowledging, the constant changing race and ethnic composition of residents," said Enas Elhanafi, chair of the CEA. "The upcoming forum is an even greater step for county residents to help local government to expand its knowledge and appreciation of how diverse we are. We certainly encourage citizens to attend the event to foster awareness and appreciation for the County's diversity."

Ms. Elhanafi serves on the Committee for Ethnic Affairs, a public board composed of 16 other community members.

"This forum will help us to assess how effective this legislation has been and whether it can be improved," said Councilmember Leventhal.

This program is part of a series under a pilot program developed by the Committee for Ethnic Affairs to encourage communication among the diverse ethnic communities of Montgomery County. CEA is composed of residents and its role is to bridge the cultural diversity of all ethnic groups in the county. The CEA advises the county executive and the County Council on public policy that relates to ethnic affairs and promotes maximum involvement of all ethnic groups in the county government and other county services and programs.

The CEA also assists the county and its Office of Community Partnerships in organizing the World of Montgomery Festival, the county's annual ethnic heritage festival.

Please visit the following link to view the press release:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Council/PressRelease/PR_details.asp?PrID=7764

Also, attached, copies of the event flier and the press release. Please feel free to forward and share with your network and the community..

For more information on the initial Days of Commemoration legislation, go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/exec/commemoration/index.asp

For more information on the Committee for Ethnic Affairs, go to its Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/CEAMD) for the latest updates on the event or contact Enas Elhanafi at eelhanafi@gmail.com

To like the CEA Facebook go to: http://www.facebook.com/CEAMD