Dear Citizens:
“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” — Maya Angelou
And perhaps we can understand each other right here.
We, the members of our state and local community, ask you, the members of our state and local community, to join us in making Saturday, July 9, 2011, a milestone.
So many of the conflicts we face on a daily basis arise from our differences: different opinions, different religions, different nationalities, different priorities, different emotions.
We’re setting aside one day. An entire day devoted to understanding and respecting those differences instead of using them as barriers. An entire day to celebrate the fact that we’re all human, put in this world together, able to enjoy what the rest of humanity has to offer.
The Twin Ports Bridge Festival is not simply another concert at Bayfront. Every one of the day’s attractions was selected for its ability to give the audience more than entertainment, whether it’s social awareness, education, inspiration, or support. This festival not only brings us a national headliner committed to helping us celebrate our community, but it also keeps the entire event affordable and accessible to the whole family.
But we need your help to make this day a success. By collaborating on this one common objective—by attending, contributing, or becoming involved—we can build the positive relationships necessary to effect change in our community, our nation, and our world.
Only when we truly understand each other can we bring about progress. Let’s kickstart that progress on July 9.
Sincerely,
Mayor Don Ness, City of Duluth
Jeff Anderson, Duluth City Council, NU92 FM/Red Rock Radio
Senator Roger Reinert, State of Minnesota
Mark Rubin, St. Louis County Attorney
Terry Mattson, President/CEO, Visit Duluth
Xavier Bell, “X”, Community Engagement Program Manager, Community Action Duluth
Patricia Burns, President, Miller-Dwan Foundation
Ira “Mimmu” Salmela, Director of Development, Public Relations Director, KUMD 103.3 FM
Stephanie Love, Executive Director, Positive Energy Outdoors
Paul Lundgren, President, Perfect Duluth Day
Jodi Christensen, Deep Peace Wellness Studio & Yoga North, Yoga Instructor 500RYT, Somatics Educator
Molly McManus, Yoga North, Yoga Instructor 500RYT, IAYT, Somatics Educator
Hilary Buckwalter, Yoga North, Yoga Instructor 500RYT, Grad Student-Advocacy & Political Leadership, UMD
Becky Gourde, Communications Director, Laughingstock Design
Shane & Jenny Bauer, Design Directors, Laughingstock Design
Twin Ports Bridge Festival, July 9, Bayfront Festival Park
www.LaughingstockDesign.biz