Here's a news release from Genesee Community College.
Genesee Community College’s Batavia Campus will come alive with the sounds of rhythm and blues music and the flavors of delicious Cajun fare at the Batavia-bayou Cross-cultural Connection on Saturday.
This culturally diverse event will present and explore Louisiana’s struggle to rebound from Hurricane Katrina and the devastating oil spill. The full-day event features live music by the Frank Mayo Band, educational guest speakers and discussions, a documentary film by Genesee students, a Taste of New Orleans and much more.
Saturday’s events begin at 8:30 a.m. with a full day of presentations and question-and-answer sessions with various guest speakers. A welcome and documentary film presentation by GCC students will start the daylong events.
Guest speakers throughout the day include: Diane Huhn of the Bayou Grace Community Services of New Orleans, who'll make a presentation on wetlands conservation after the Gulf oil spill; Pete Nunually of the Episcopal Community Services of Louisiana who'll talk about on the rebuilding and volunteer efforts; and Captain Wendy Billiot, former oil and gas industry employee, who will speak about the threat to the region’s wetlands and the poisoned landscaped after Katrina.
Saturday will also feature dinner with New Orleans-style food samplings, a photography exhibit by Genesee students who traveled to New Orleans for Alternative Spring Break, and Zydeco dance exhibitions and lessons. Highlighting the evening will be a concert by the Frank Mayo band and a Café du Monde dessert station.
"I am amazed at the resiliency of the people of New Orleans who have come together to help rebuild the region,” said Lori Mould, president of Genesee’s PTK chapter and student trustee.
“This event will highlight the rebuilding efforts and bring to light the issues the city is still dealing with years after Katrina and the BP oil spill. This cultural event should also uncover the amazing cultural gems the city of New Orleans holds."
Mould, a Multimedia and Fine Arts major, has traveled to the New Orleans area about a dozen times over the last year and a half. Her efforts have brought other Genesee students to the bayou region and helped make this event possible.
Proceeds from this event will support Genesee students’ Alternative Spring Break 2011 in New Orleans, Episcopal Community Services of Louisiana and Bayou Grace Community Services.
Tickets for Saturday’s events are $20 general, $15 seniors, and $10 students with valid ID. For tickets, contact the Box Office at 343-0055, ext. 6814, or purchase at the campus.
