Walk hopes to include entire community

The Conference for Inclusive Communities, with sponsors Omaha Steaks, KETV and Metro Monthly, held the 10th annual Walk for Inclusion on Saturday at Heartland of America Park in Omaha. Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy live music, dancing, hot rice and cookies.The day started out with Craoi na Tire, a dancing studio specializing in Irish step dancing, warming up the crowd before Dances of Spain took over with vibrant acoustic guitar playing and Flamenco dancing. Finishing up the cultural performances was Charles Ahovissi and Hwendo, playing traditional African music with drums and costumed dancing.

After the music, several CFIC coordinators welcomed and thanked everyone who came. John Oakey of KETV NewsWatch Seven greeted the crowd and spoke of how important the day was. Following Oakey were the IncluCity Alumni.

These high school students had undergone a four-day retreat with their teachers to learn and discuss such issues as race, culture, appearance and others. Through this program they are able to ask questions and get honest answers to help dispel stereotypes.

The alumni were lead by Kimmy Terry to sing "Alligator," a song about an alligator that wants to be friends. Oakey thanked the volunteers and let the Marching Knights take over as the walk finally began.

With timpani in tow, the Knights made their way down the sidewalk with dancers backing them up the entire way. The crowd fell in and a snake of people coursed around the Qwest Center and back into the park.

Along the path was the occasional sign held by an IncluCity volunteer. Neal Orians of the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design had made all the signs himself. Others, including Amor Habbad and Adrian Fuents, held signs opposing a variety of groups including the Ku Klux Klan and the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative.

Another homemade banner held by several students was guided by Mike Honeyman.

"I teach a class called Dynamics of Global Intolerance at Westside High School," Honeyman said. "Our goal is to just try and reach out and raise awareness and show the positive side of diversity everywhere."

Once the journey was complete, the walkers were rewarded with free food served by Umang Tealati. Spicy hot rice, breaded chicken doused in sweet sauce and raspberries served on kababs, all courtesy of Indian Oven.

The crowd then took seats on the grass and stone benches to watch and listen to rock band Eagle Seagull play. Fifty teams comprised of families, schools, religious organizations and others participated in the walk around the park in celebration of the CFIC's mission and to help raise funds to help further future goals.

The CFIC was founded in 1927 as the National Conference for Christians and Jews. It is an organization that is "dedicated to confronting prejudice, bigotry and discrimination through educational programs that raise awareness, foster leadership and encourage advocacy for a just and inclusive society," according to their Web site.

They currently offer eight different programs that teach these values through classes and workshops. For more information about the CFIC, go to cficonline.org.