Paint Branch will host the first ever UNITY night this Wednesday, April 5th starting at 6 PM and ending at 8:30 PM. The event will see PB opening its doors to the local community in the hope of presenting, according to Paint Branch Signature Coordinator Mrs. Samantha Candia, “a night where we can come together and embrace our diversity; a night where being unique is special, welcome and celebrated!”

The event was inspired by the actions of Paint Branch students for International Day for Tolerance last November. UNITY seeks “to create a celebration of the uniqueness and diversity we share as people.” UNITY will offer a variety of different programs that celebrate the diversity and cultures of Paint Branch’s community, which includes food, music, dance, and other activities.

Some of the other planned events for the night include FUSED, a PBHS Restaurant and Culinary Arts International Fusion Culinary Competition. This ticketed event should be exciting, but will have a limited number of participants. Also on the agenda for the night will be an Enlightenment Expo: Diversity Fair, The Cultured Cup: Open-mic coffee house, Global Groove: Dance Lessons from cultures all over the globe, and live musical performances sponsored by Strathmore. Another draw will be several food trucks that Mrs. Candia has lined up to provide a variety of “delectable international offerings.”

During the celebration, hundreds of students and families came to enjoy the festivities. People and performers from different countries and backgrounds were on hand to bring a vast array of cultural influences to the evening. These individuals added to what is already a widely diverse Paint Branch community. However, even though the night has ended, the unique cultures of our community shine each and every day.