From: Office of the Mayor

Andrea V. Taylor, Press Secretary

Office of the Mayor
(216) 664-4171 or (216) 857-7998

Belinda I. Saldaña, Deputy Press Secretary

Office of the Mayor
(216) 664-2223 or (216) 857-3808

Richard Herman, Committee Chair, Global Urban Fusion

(216) 696-6170 or (216) 375-0231

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Global Urban Fusion Celebrates Diversity in Cleveland

Evening of Networking, Cross-Cultural Food and Rhythms

CLEVELAND – Mayor Frank G. Jackson will host the city’s inaugural “Global Urban Fusion --- A
Holiday Celebration of Cleveland’s Diversity” at City Hall on December 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Global Urban Fusion is a collaboration of young professionals who recognize and appreciate the
many diverse cultures in Northeast Ohio. This team of diverse leaders recently met to discuss ways
to better promote intercultural business relationships at home and abroad.
When the mayor learned of the group’s plans for a multicultural celebration, he offered support,
including hosting the event in the City Hall rotunda.
“Cleveland has a long history of becoming home to many ethnic groups who have contributed greatly
to the success and culture of the City,” said Mayor Jackson. “This celebration is honoring Cleveland’s
relationship with groups that have been here for generations and to show new groups, that they are
welcome to become part of our community and its future.”
Richard Herman, a local immigration lawyer and Co-Chair of TiE Ohio (The International
Entrepreneur), commented, “Cleveland has such a rich culture of ethnicities from across the globe
but has never fully realized its uniqueness and used it as a stepping stone to greater opportunities
for the region.”
Herman added, “We are now in a position to dismantle counterproductive racial and socio-economic
silos and propel the city to new heights in this global economy. Removal of these barriers is crucial if
innovation, entrepreneurship and international connectivity are to once again thrive in the region.”
Attendees of the cross-cultural celebration will enjoy a mix of networking, ethnic food and drink
sampling along with a unique blend of global rhythms. DJ Angel Galvan, a Cleveland-based
musician born in Mexico, will provide eclectic beats flavored with India’s Bhangra Hip Hop and other
culturally diverse dance music, throughout the evening.
Galvan describes his Global Urban Fusion music as an innovative musical platform to unite people
using their common interest in music and by breaking through the barriers of language and
stereotypes.
The Global Urban Fusion event will kickoff a series of similar events in 2011 to cultivate, connect
and mobilize the vibrant diversity that will help drive a Cleveland renaissance.
Community sponsors donated $100 or $250 for the celebration. Net proceeds will be donated to the
Global Welcome Center for international programs and to underwrite the next Global Urban Fusion
event.
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