nwasianweekly.com
April 19, 2008

Amy Lu

A participant’s account of the procession

By Amy Lu
Northwest Asian Weekly

Multicultural. That was the predominant answer to the question, “What did you think about the Qwest Field event for Seeds of Compassion on Saturday?” Among many others, students of Center for Career Alternative’s Migrant Ambassadors of Student Knowledge (ASK) program had the rare opportunity to be participants in the procession, representing the multiculturalism of the people CCA assists. Primarily, for these students, it was a day to represent their Mexican and Latin roots to 53,000 stadium participants, and really, millions across the globe.

These students, many children of migrant workers, traveled miles from various parts of Eastern Washington, such as Wenatchee and Brewster. As part of their weekend leadership training, students were asked to partake in a lesson of compassion and socio-cultural awareness through conversation and as participants in the opening procession.

In planning for the event, the Seeds of Compassion team envisioned opening the large Qwest day event with what can only be described as a rainbow of cultures.

The night before, April 11, community group leaders of all Festal groups gathered for an informational walk-through. Again, the primary description of that evening was “multicultural.” In conversations with various community leaders, many expressed their excitement to see the gathering of Festal cultural groups, shared their commonalities in event planning, and offered young rising community leaders, including myself, advice on keeping our cultural communities alive between generational gaps.

Then, what Steve Sneed would describe as a period of “Go, go, go … wait, wait, wait” in the Seeds production team’s organization efforts, we were guided through secret Qwest Field entrances and mysterious narrow tunnels. As we approached a doorway of light, we walked through, only to be greeted by an empty stadium, the artificial vibrant green turf and the Seeds of Compassion stage. Still, excitement raced through my heart as I thought, “We’re some of the first people to see the field!” Cameras were brought out. Photos were snapped. Flashes gleamed.

Being good participants, this was our only photo opportunity considering, to our understanding, cameras were not to be allowed in the event. Instructions continued on, debates occurred, and finally, we were released. “See you tomorrow,” voices chimed cheerfully.

Saturday arrived, and as was evident in the procession planning coordinator’s attitude the previous day, perfection, organization and clarity were essential in pulling off the walk through the field. As our snazzy coach carrier — we felt like VIPs — pulled into the Qwest lot, the student ambassadors and staff were enthralled at the number of individuals lining up early to enter Qwest Field.

Quickly, we found our designated location as we were trained the evening before, and as Steve had said, it was going to be another period of “Go, go, go … wait, wait, wait.”

As we waited, we were greeted by groups in festive cultural attire. Around us were procession participants decorated with spangles, bells, scarves, gowns, artificial costume wings, crowns, and best of all, color.

Disciplined and poised, a line of girls dressed in traditional red costumes and heavy headgear streamed in. Cheers rang across the various Festal groups. This was Cheryl Chow’s Community Chinese Drill Team, a favorite with audiences. An ASK student asked me, “Are they Korean or Chinese?” I was delighted to see a natural lesson of cultural competency. “Chinese,” I responded. “I knew it!” he exclaimed, and proceeded to tell fellow ASK participants in Spanish.

Finally, through all the planning, some chaos and confusion, the time arrived for our march across the field. Like the night before, participants were tunneled through narrow corridors, attempting to maintain the structure of “four-across.”

As we approached the familiar doorway of light, instead of being greeted with empty bleachers, we heard thunderous roars of cheering audience members, drumming from a united team of cultural groups, and the sound of our own anxious heartbeats. Smiles spread across the faces of all. Hands were raised and greeted the thousands. Cultural flags flew, fluttering in the Seattle breeze.

It was reminiscent of my commencement walk at the University of Washington, but better and suffused with pride in our unique and diverse Seattle community. For sure, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. We were promptly seated, and shortly after, more excitement in the stadium rose at the sight of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

Four days after the event, my heart continues to beat with excitement knowing that I was a part of a historical event, a part of a team whose mission was to bring compassion to the community and a part of a program that brought new light and experience to Eastern Washington migrant students who otherwise would never have had such a chance.

Amy Lu can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.

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