MUH Multicultural Services honors Hamilton's elders

August 26, 2005

When approached with the idea to honor the elders of Hamilton's second ward neighborhoods, Jimmie Jones, director of Miami University Hamilton's Multicultural Services Center did not even hesitate when he agreed to help.

On Friday and Sunday, August 26 and August 28, the Women of Grace and Miami Hamilton's Office of Multicultural Services will honor the black elders of the community with the "Wisdom of the Nineties - Celebrating Our Elders" gala. On Friday, a special benefit concert at Parrish Auditorium by Circle of Light Productions and Dance Ensemble will honor the elders for more information, contact 785-3024.

In addition, a gala dinner will be held Sunday to recognize about 25 Hamilton residents from the second ward district who are 90 or older. "It is not only a nice thing to do, it is critical that we do this," Jones said. "Our elders are our history, they are the ones that made us who we are today. We need to reconnect with them and show them how important they are to us and to our future. I truly believe that today's younger generation would be stronger and wiser if we as a society would celebrate our elders each day."

According to Jones, this is the first year for these events and he already has been encouraged by the community support. Talk for expanding the program next year is already under way. For more information, contact 513-785-3024.