The history of the Ohio Valley is rich with cultural diversity. The flowing of the Ohio River and its tributaries has served as a major channel for human migration, connecting the Atlantic seaboard, Appalachian Mountains, and the Mississippi Valley. As a result, a diverse group made the local area their home, forming families, and creating traditions.

On March 11, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Belmont Technical College (BTC) will celebrate that history through the Fourth Annual Cultural Pearls event, which promotes the appreciation and recognition of cultural diversity through entertainment, education, and artistic expression. This event is free and open to the public.

Past events have highlighted artists from authentic Appalachian, Korean, Native American, Italian, and African American cultures.

Anna Hash from the Allegro Dance Company will discuss Italian immigrants influence on the Ohio Valley. She will take the audience on an Italian historical journey with the use of video footage, photos, and audience participation. Salomon Torres, a businessman and native of the Dominican Republic, will have a slide presentation and captivating discussion with the audience regarding Dominican culture and family life. Generation of Steppaz, a premier hip hop dance troupe in the Ohio Valley will also perform a few routines. Melanie the Seanachie, an eclectic storyteller from Columbus, Ohio, will share a few Celtic tales with the audience.

BTC will have refreshments and additional presenters seated at display tables in the main area showcasing artifacts or providing literature to the community regarding a culture which they represent. In the past some have displayed dolls, statues, flags, banners, poster boards, drawings, paintings, and quilts. This year, an independent photographer will be showing pictures of Haiti before the earthquake. Also, Baron von Steuben from Historic Fort Steuben, the YWCA Racial Justice Division, as well as all of our main stage presenters, will be participating in this portion of the event. This event is free and open to the public.

More information can be obtained by contacting Candice Hewitt at 740-695-9500, ext. 1070.