“Sounds of Upper Darby”
International
Mother Language Day
January 31, 2014 – Upper Darby, PA. Upper Darby Township
and Upper Darby Multicultural Commission will Present International Mother
Language Day 2014.
On February 22, 2014 Upper Darby
Township and the Upper Darby Multicultural Commission (UDMCC) will host International
Mother Language Day at Beverly Hills Middle School. Beverly Hills Middle School is located at
1400 Garrett Road, Upper Darby, PA. The school
has ample parking and is accessible by public transportation.
Last year, Mayor Thomas
Micozzie proclaimed February 21, 2013 as International Mother’s Language
Day. He remarked that:
“Upper Darby Township is proud of the
diversity of culture and the rich traditions that so vitally enhance our
community. It is key to protect linguistic diversity in our township cultural
acceptance. International Mother Language Day endorses the fact that languages
are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and
intangible heritage. It is important to note the Upper Darby Township and
School District incorporates over 62 languages and dialects in this very proud
and diverse community.
Language is fundamental to communication
of all kinds, and it is communication that makes change and development
possible in human society. There is growing awareness that languages play a
vital role in development, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural
dialogue, but also in strengthening collaboration and attaining quality
education for all.”
In November 1999, the General conference
of the United Nations educational, Scientific and Cultural organization
proclaimed the 21st day of February of every year as International
Mother Language Day. The date represents the day in 1952 when students
demonstrating for recognition of their language, Bangla, as one of the two
national languages of the then Pakistan, were shot and killed by police in
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. This is an event in world history where
citizens of a country gave their lives in a non-violent protest movement to
retain the right to use their mother language.
The event on February 22 will celebrate
cultural diversity and multilingualism.
There are fun activities for children and families. Everyone is invited. The event is free and
open to all.
The Upper Darby Multicultural
Commission was developed in October 2013 by Mayor Thomas N. Micozzie and Former
Councilman Reverend Nate Goodson to cultivate the growing diversity in Upper
Darby Township. The UDMCC will provide
information for diversity models for policy recommendations on crime, housing,
education, nutrition, and economic development.
