“Unifying Our Community” – New Bern’s First-Ever Cultural Festival to bring all “Walks of Life” together!

This morning, New Bern's Citizens and Leaders joined forces at City Hall to take the first step in “Unifying our Community”. The New Bern Young Marine Color Guard presented colors as Susan Maebie sang the National Anthem.

Guest Speaker, Reverend Johnson of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, clarified the reason for the All American Inclusive Family (AAMIFAM) Festival. This weekend not only celebrates New Bern’s 300th Anniversary, but the festival was established to celebrate diversity among us. His words inspired us to “pull down the walls and build bridges to unite Uptown and Downtown as we march in unity”. He emphasized the importance of “mending and restoring broken relationships and working together to make a difference in our community”.

As we marched (a lot of people holding hands) from New Bern’s City Hall to the corner of Broad and First Streets, we were a group from all walks of life. The ranks composed of a NC State Representative, a Retired Major General, City Alderman and Alderwoman, a Craven County Commissioner, 300th Committee Leaders, Chamber of Commerce President, white and blue collar workers, homemakers, African American, Caucasian, etc. We were "All American Inclusive Family Members". We marched with one goal in mind, to make a point! New Bern doesn’t have to be divided by social classes, race, or other social dividers. It’s about time we embrace our differences and change with the times to make our City a better place to live for all.

At 11:00am, Emcee Monica Dowd introduced guest speakers NC Representative Alice Underhill, AAMIFAM Organizer Van Cuthbertson, and Dr. Steven Fitzgerald of First Baptist Church. The 300th Oath was read and everyone was asked to take the time to greet each other.

Please take some time out of your weekend, even if it’s for an hour or two and learn about other cultures. The festival continues with food and other vendors, non-profit organizations, and amusements at the corner of First and Broad Streets. There’s plenty of parking available and there’s a large tent set up to shade you from the heat!

For pictures taken today, please visit New Bern Now's Photo Gallery.

For more information about tomorrow’s events and AAMIFAM Festival’s mission, please visit their website.

Thank you, Van and all who were involved in coordinating the AAMIFAM Festival and for those who came out in support of their efforts!

Some say, “It takes a village”. We have to start somewhere and I believe this festival was the first step in bringing the best of all of us together!
Wendy Card