Thinking Out Loud: Why Cultural Events Matter

July 27, 2026 - 12:50 pm

By Kevin P. Henry for Thinking Out Loud

This summer, there will be plenty of cultural events in the area, many of which are appropriate for all ages. But these events are more than just entertainment or simply fun activities to enjoy while the weather is nice.

Attending cultural and community events is a meaningful way to learn about and connect with people on a deeper level. They are about more than just music, food, dance, or art. They provide opportunities to see history being preserved, traditions being honored, and current social issues explained.

This is especially vital today, when many people feel heightened tension, intolerance, and even fear between different groups and communities.

Every cultural festival, heritage celebration, and museum exhibit offers an opportunity to experience perspectives that may differ from our own. By listening to personal stories, observing traditions, and engaging in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds, we gain a clearer understanding of the struggles, triumphs, and contributions that have helped build our communities and our country.

This kind of learning is critical, particularly when history itself has become the subject of intense public debate and even “controversy.” Some people avoid discussing culture and history altogether, saying they do not want to talk about “politics.”

Across the country, disagreements continue over how America’s past should be taught and remembered. Discussions about slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, Indigenous history, immigration, and other chapters of our nation’s story have become heated and emotional. Some people argue that teaching about America’s most violent and disturbing time periods is divisive.

But how can facts—history itself—be divisive? These events happened. We cannot rewrite the past. If we do not understand and learn from it, we are destined to remain ignorant and repeat it. Some would argue that this is already happening.

How will people today and future generations understand America’s past if the horrors of slavery are diminished or ignored? How will future generations view our history if immigrants continue to be demonized, books are banned, and racism and homophobia are tolerated?

When you attend your next Pride festival, cultural celebration, or educational event, remember that your participation can encourage empathy and help eradicate stereotypes. It can also help us recognize the humanity we all share. Understanding another person’s history and life experiences helps define who we are as individuals, as communities, and as a nation.

Everyone deserves to live in a safe society rooted in respect, honesty, and mutual understanding. We must invest in preserving history while strengthening our shared future.