Cultural diversity celebrated

9-year-old’s curiosity inspires International Day

Story and photo by Faye Powell
The Portland Upside
November 2009

Young Isaiah Walker (center) inspires and co-chairs the first International Day at his church, in which members wear clothing representative of their native backgrounds.

Sometimes it is the simplest idea that reaps the greatest rewards.

One afternoon last summer, parishioner Michael Montgomery wore a zigzag-patterned dashiki decorated with stylized Nigerian dancers to St. Philip The Deacon Episcopal Church’s annual picnic.

Nine-year-old Isaiah Walker, curious about Montgomery’s garment and taking note of the diverse crowd at the picnic, said, “Wouldn’t it be fun to have a day when everyone wore clothes of their ethnic and cultural backgrounds?”

Michael agreed and thus was born the idea of an International Day to recognize and celebrate the diversity within this Northeast Portland parish.

With Isaiah and Michael as co-chairs, the committee selected October 11, with its proximity to United Nations Day on October 24, as the day for the celebration.

Church organizers encouraged parishioners to wear clothing representative of their native backgrounds, as well as to bring a potluck dish of that culture. The 60 attendees represented heritages from Iran, India, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Great Britain, Morocco, Japan, Native America, and several countries of Africa. In turn, each person took a few moments to describe something about his or her background.

Reverend Alcena Boozer, rector of St. Philip’s, described the day as a joyous occasion highlighting the variety of folk that came from the continents of Africa, Europe and Asia.

“St. Philip’s is probably the most diverse parish in Portland, and we really celebrate that,” Rev. Boozer said. “Rarely have I seen the people of this parish so joyful about learning something new. I was surprised at how many people eagerly participated.”

Chehreh Shirizi wore the most elaborate costume. Her multi-layered skirt with its beaded headdress is a typical tribal costume of her native Iran.

Vivian Childs, raised in India, wore a sari and described the intricate manner in which many yards of silk are pleated, folded and tucked to create an elegant garment.

Betty Smith, former co-owner of the first African-American clothing store in Portland, wore one of her own creations, a boldly-patterned turquoise dress and headpiece. Many others wore dresses and shirts that demonstrated the variety of styles, colors and patterns of Africa.

For Karol Kennedy, whose own heritage includes ancestors from Africa, Ireland, Scotland, and Asia, the day brought people closer together while showing the children the diversity of their church community.

“When they then see people walking down the street in different garments, they can relate to them…and not be fearful,” she said.

Long-time parishioner Millie Jackson also appreciated the opportunity to teach children a little about different cultures.

Co-chairman Isaiah was happy to see everyone enjoying the day.

“I’m wearing my granddad’s top from Japan. I like seeing everyone talking to one another,” he added.

Michael Montgomery noted, “I think it is such a wonderful opportunity to show and share our cultural diversity.”

According to the United States Census, Portland’s population is 77.9% white, 6.6% African-American, 6.8% Hispanic/Latino, 6.3% Asian, plus smaller numbers of American Indian/Alaska Native and others. Additionally, 4.1% identify themselves as belonging to two or more races.

Founded in 1911 as an African-American parish, St. Philip The Deacon was officially recognized by the Oregon Diocese as an Episcopal parish in 1919. It has been in its current location on NE Knott since 1923. Over the years as populations have shifted, St. Philip’s has become more diversified.

According to Rev. Boozer, a lifelong member of the congregation and its pastor for 16 years,
“International Day signified to me that, although we come from all over the globe, we are all children of one God, and the variety of gifts that come to people were represented in the food we brought.”

She added that she wasn’t surprised at the diversity of the congregation but was surprised by how many people eagerly participated and how much sheer fun everyone had. In addition to learning about one another’s heritages, people were able to experience the joy of feeling a part of such a diverse community.

Colorful clothing, a multicultural banquet and sharing of ancestral stories promoted greater awareness and appreciation of all of the traditions within the parish and a stronger sense of unity among its members. What community, whether spiritual or secular, wouldn’t be enriched by the opportunity to connect with those whose ethnic and cultural heritages differ from one’s own!

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St. Philip The Deacon Episcopal Church is located at 120 NE Knott St., Portland. For more information, go to www.stphildcn.org or contact Rev. Boozer at 503-281-5802.

Faye Powell is a retired librarian and freelance writer. She can be reached at
phaysee1@gmail.com