Harvard University strives to encourage diversity through song, dance, and … Eva Longoria?

     On Saturday, Feb.21, 2015, the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural Race Relations held a Cultural Rhythms Festival at Sanders Theatre, where Eva Longoria was named Artist of the Year.

     US Treasurer Rosie Rios was there as honorary host, as she helped start Cultural Rhythms in 1986.

     Eva was honored for her philanthropic work and for her contributions in the performing arts. The purpose of this foundation is to encourage race relations between people at the school from different countries, cultures, religions, etc.

     Eva is a famous American actress known for her role in the TV series “Desperate Housewives.” She is also a producer, director, activist, and business-woman, and has won numerous awards in the film industry. She has starred with Christian Bale, Michael Douglas, and Ben Stiller among others. She was named one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful in 2005.

     Eva’s parents are Mexican and she has started a foundation to help Latinas go to college.

     Student performers lined up in groups to perform in front of her. The performers at this show were Harvard students enrolled in some of the many clubs offered at the school. These clubs are specifically geared for educating the public about their group. For example, one group that performed was the Asian-American Dance Troupe. It is a student-run club in which students strive to spread appreciation and awareness of Asian culture through dance. This club, as well as the rest of the clubs at the school, are not limited to just students who identify as a part of that culture. In other words, not all Asian-American Dance Troupe members were of Asian descent! She chose two members from each act and asked them a couple of questions.

     The first group that performed were Mariachis, her favorite. To Eva’s surprise, one of the boys was not even Mexican. He was from Kentucky and she complimented him on how well he did.

     All the acts were great. There were also Indian dancers, Wushu, martial artists, Tae kwon do and many more. There was an African dance number, and what was nice about the performers was that even students who said were new to the group seemed to be having a great time.

     After the performances, Eva gave a speech, telling students that not everyone is as lucky as they are and that they should go out and make the world a better place.

     “I encourage you to put yourself in other people’s shoes,” she said.

    She explained her hopes that people will use the tools they have in order to give opportunity to others. She spoke about her experience as a child, being from two different cultures and about her sister who has special needs.

    “I know what it feels like.” she said. She was very nice and down to earth, as well as very passionate about what she is doing.

    “Diversity means more women, more LGBT… it means to include historically excluded groups,” she said. “What I’ve learned the most is to listen.”

     Eva’s words serve as a reminder to us to include people of all different backgrounds. It is something we can all learn from.

–April 30, 2015–