MOMENTUM CENTER CULTURAL EXCHANGE

The Momentum Center has been the subject of other recent programs the last being September 16th. Therefore, this report will assume a certain knowledge base and which, at the same time, seeks to justify this writer’s work. Friday’s program was limited in scope.

As you are aware, a part of the mission of the Center is Racism. Through programming, workshops, discussions, speaker forums and activities, the subject is the target of identification, understanding and, hopefully, elimination. As one aspect of addressing the issue the Center has started a cultural exchange program which it hopes to expand. Since Social Justice is always at the core of this aspect of the MC’s activities, the goal is to create a stigma free community. The Muskegon community and the Tri-Cities are separated by a bridge, both literally and figuratively. When crossing that bridge does one feel welcome and safe or are they viewed as an interloper. Will the police stop you based upon your appearance. Granted these are deep questions affected by numerous facets including governmental, intrinsic and conditioned biases, statistics, and politics among others, it is hoped the a cultural exchange might serve to help ameliorate some of these barriers.

It appears that the type of cultural exchange envisioned is one which drills down into the heart of how people live, their fears and struggles. Not that the more typical aspects of a cultural exchange were avoided. The group visited the Art Museum, the Hackley-Hume homes, etc.; but there is much to see which touches upon understanding the deeper problems. They say that altruism often comes with a shovel.

The initial exchange was a joint effort between the MC and Muskegon Community College and funded largely by the Muskegon, GH and SL Rotary Clubs. The Exchange ‘team’ included our own Chris Burns and Gordon Gallager through the roles in government and Muskegon entrepreneur Kaya Thornton Hunter, owner of Us Café, who was present, along with Chris and Gordon, to talk about their experience with the Exchange and to answer questions. Be aware that this was only the Muskegon half of the Exchange. A full report/presentation will occur after the Tri-Cities half of the exchange is completed. The genesis of the Exchange Program actually occurred prior to COVID so they are seeking to gather a little “momentum” and can always use help. Future considerations of how to fund and who should participate in future exchanges is part the work still in progress. Ideally, individual participates would voluntarily wish to sign up and would self-finance their participation.

As an aside, one of the events they attended was a Muskegon Big Reds football game. How they got seats in that stadium is beyond this writer. It is always sold out! He was worried that he had a green and white Spartans jacket on because the Big Reds were playing Zeeland West. He was actually quite safe. There are a TON of Spartan fans in Muskegon….and the Dux colors are green and gold.

So there is more to come in the form of a future program. In the meantime, there is no lack of opportunity for community volunteers across the bridge. The Muskegon Rescue Mission is always looking for help. Thanks to Barb and the Momentum Center for another interesting program.

R. White

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