Embracing Diversity: Uniting the Persian Community and Building Bridges to the larger Canadian Community

Building a vibrant and inclusive community is a crucial endeavor, particularly when individuals take the initiative to organize monthly events that bridge generational gaps, preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of culture and heritage. This commitment becomes even more significant when local artists generously contribute their time and talents voluntarily, without any expectation of compensation.

This initiative holds profound importance for the Persian community residing in British Columbia. It serves as a beacon of unity, providing a platform for the convergence of old and young generations. By fostering such connections, it not only ensures the transmission of cultural values and traditions but also creates a shared sense of identity and belonging among community members.

In this program, Sherry Soltani extends a warm invitation to esteemed members of the Iranian community, namely Masoud Esmalizadeh and Farzan Karmani, who represent the non-profit organization Hafez Literature and Love Speaks is the event's name. Together, they share profound insights into the community event that has been a steadfast tradition for over a decade. This event, meticulously organized by these dedicated individuals, serves as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for community unity.

Masoud and Farzan bring a wealth of experience and passion as they delve into the intricacies of this longstanding community initiative. Through their engaging dialogue, they unfold the tapestry of efforts invested in organizing this event over the past ten years, emphasizing its transformative impact on fostering a sense of hope and togetherness within the community.

Sherry inquired about the origin of the non-profit organization, prompting Masoud to share the vision behind their Love Speaks events. Masoud emphasized that beyond uniting the Persian community, their goal is to build a bridge between Iranian and Canadian cultures. These events aim to foster cross-cultural dialogue, promoting understanding and harmony between the two vibrant cultural identities. In essence, Masoud's vision transcends boundaries, making the Love Speaks events a transformative platform for cultural exchange and unity.

Farzan expanded on the nature of these events, highlighting their bilingual aspect in English and Farsi. He reiterated the shared objective: not only bringing together the older and younger generations but also fostering an environment for mutual learning about each other's culture and heritage. In essence, these events serve as a dynamic platform for intergenerational connection and cross-cultural understanding.

Masoud quoted: "The Love Speaks event is a vibrant fusion of Persian poetry, music, and dance performances. When we decided to incorporate two languages into the event, the challenge of translating the poetry into English emerged. Despite the challenges, we managed to handle the difficulties gracefully and create a seamless experience."

"My son, Bahman, played a crucial role in creating a name that serves as a bridge between communities. It was during this collaborative process that he brilliantly coined the English name for the event: 'Persian Poetry in Motion.'"

Curious about the voluntary participation of artists in Love Speaks events, Sherry inquired why they willingly contribute to every gathering organized by the organization. Masoud explained that these artists believe in Love Speaks mission and wish to actively be a part of it. Their voluntary involvement is driven by a shared understanding of the mission's significance, demonstrating their commitment to contributing to the community and showcasing the importance of the cause through their talents. Farzan added and emphasized that not only performers and artists but also many community members volunteer to make Love Speaks events happen. The collective dedication of volunteers is crucial in bringing these gatherings to life and creating a positive impact.

Sherry asked Masoud why they chose "Love Speaks." Masoud responded, explaining that the choice was inspired by the belief that love and kindness serve as the key elements to unite communities. The name reflects the essence of fostering connection and unity through the power of love and compassion.

In summary, Love Speaks mission is to bridge cultures and unite generations through love and kindness. The voluntary involvement of artists and members reflects a shared commitment. Sherry invites viewers to join this transformative journey, attend events, and help build a stronger, more connected community. Your presence matters.

Guests:

Masoud Esmaielzadeh

Farzan Kermani

B-Roll footage: Skyrise Media Society

Journalist: Sherry Soltani

Skyrise Media Society