Dear Friends and Supporters,
In April, the Afghan Coalition launched a blog to post announcements of events and other news.
We are completing our 2006-2007 Annual Report and will announce that soon.
Please visit: http://www.afghancoalition.org/blog/
With this summer issue of our newsletter, we wish to thank all of you who have worked with us to promote unity and well being for Afghans and other community members.
In this Issue:
1. Afghan Freedom Quilt Display at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles OPENS TODAY!
2. "East meets West" produced and presented by the Foundation for Self Reliance was a Huge Success
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1. Afghan Freedom Quilt display opening today, July 17, at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles
photo by Kasturi Rangam
Please see our announcement for more information on this event featuring a collaborative project of the Foundation for Self Reliance, Afghan Women’s Association International and the Afghan Coalition called the “Afghan Freedom Quilt” display.
The exhibition opens today, Tuesday July 17, with a public opening reception this Sunday July 22 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The reception is free with Museum admission. Also on Sunday July 22 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm the museum is presenting "In Search of the Whole Truth: Afghan War Rugs" with historians, collectors, and refugee agency staff who will explore the evolution and significance of Afghan war rugs and of the Afghan Freedom Quilt.
On Sunday August 19 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm the museum is presenting "Old Threads/New Ground" with immigrant artists demonstrating traditional textile arts - batik, embroidery and weaving. Finally, on Sunday September 23 the exhibition closes with a panel discussion "Can Art Build Peace? What About Textiles?" Human rights activists and scholars will reflect on the current and potential role of art in peace-building strategies worldwide.
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2. Afghan community event - "East meets West" - huge success
On June 23, 2007, the Foundation for Self Reliance produced and presented a symposium called “East Meets West: Awakening to the Challenges of Afghans in Fremont” that turned into a monumental event. Over two hundred guests gathered at The Golden Peacock restaurant in Fremont to hear panels in both Farsi and English including a speech by Rona Popal, executive director of the Afghan Coalition and Afghan Women’s Association International. The Foundation for Self-Reliance and the Afghan Coalition are already planning a sequel event to be held at the Golden Peacock on Saturday, January 19, 2008.
Press Coverage:
Fremont Conference Tackles Challenges Facing Afghan Immigrants - KCBS
Afghan cultural issues subject of panel, book - San Francisco Chronicle
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About us
Formed in 1996, the Afghan Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-based umbrella organization whose mission is to empower underserved Afghan families, women, and youth living in Southern Alameda County by providing health and social services, advocacy, building community, developing youth leadership, and promoting cross-cultural unity.
Please send us your ideas for program needs, funding sources, cultural celebrations, and content for this newsletter. We welcome your ideas and submissions using our contact form.
The Afghan Coalition
www.afghancoalition.org
39155 Liberty St., D-460
Fremont, California 94538
510-574-2180