Cultural Jam Aims to Expand Unity in the Community

September 12, 2024

YCEA Members

Martin Library will host the Sixth Annual Welcoming Week Cultural Jam from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 18. The free community event is a joint initiative of Martin Library Teens and theYMCA of the Roses to celebrate the 2024 Welcoming Week, September 13–22.

“The Cultural Jam is a vibrant celebration that welcomes our newest community members and residents from all cultures. York has the designation of being a Welcoming City,” says Martin Library Director Mina Edmondson. “This year’s event will feature a variety of entertainment, and the opportunity to taste food from many different cultures.”

Madeline Duran will serve as emcee for the Cultural Jam; highlighting local performers and artists sharing their cultures through music, song, dance, art, poetry, and DJing. This year’s event features a musical performance by Soji Otuyelu and Sabrina Duke; poetry by Kailey Lopez, Milan Gerald, and Aretha Brown; Bomba dance withDelma Rivera-Lytle, DJ demonstrations by Antoine Marine and Ben Salazar, and a variety of other entertainment.

“The library is dedicated to being a welcoming place for all,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “This annual initiative celebrates the diverse and rich heritage of our many friends, neighbors, andcommunity members who make York County home."

Martin Library is located at 159 East Market Street in York, PA. Metered parking is free after 5:00 p.m.weekdays with many spaces conveniently located near the library. Serving the community since 1935, Martin Library is one of York County’s oldest libraries and is a branch of York County Libraries. It is recognized as a PA Forward Gold Star library for its outstanding provision of programs and resources to community members. Martin Library also holds the distinguished honor of being the first library to receive the Library of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association.