Tuesday, June 9, 2015
In the past 60 years the cultural and ethnic diversity of Troy residents has increased dramatically. (See Table) The most recent US Census Bureau records from 2010 indicate that while the total population of the community has not changed significantly since 2000, the percentage of Troy residents who identify themselves as of Asian ethnicity has increased from 13% to 19%. School district surveys indicate that over 80 different languages are spoken in the homes of Troy students. The 2014/2015 Troy Community Guide lists 55 different places of worship.
Throughout 2015, the Troy Historic Village is hosting events and programs to celebrate our community’s rich heritage. On Saturday June 13, visitors of all ages are invited to a Many Stories, One Heritage Festival hosted at the Troy Historic Village. The open house-style event from 1:00 – 5:00 pm is sponsored by Pastor and Associates with financial support from the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The festival will feature dancers of all ages performing traditional dances from India and Bangladesh. Local musician Sean Blackman will play instruments from all around the globe, blending different sounds to create a fusion of world music. Visitors may sample foods from China, India and Thailand provided by Kim’s Restaurant, Priya Indian Cuisine and Sy Thai. For those with legal questions on immigration, event sponsor Pastor and Associates will be onsite to provide answers and information. Resources from the Genealogical Society of Flemish Americans, Niagara Foundation, Turkish American Society of Michigan, Mai Family Services and APIA Vote – Michigan will also be available for festival attendees.
Event planning committee member Padma Kuppa remarked “We are so lucky to be in the midst of what is truly a global community… We reflect the diversity of the world. . . This event is a way to showcase how we have created one community, as we all embrace being part of, and making history in, our own Troy Michigan.”
No registration is required and there is no fee to attend this event, but a donation of $5 to $10 per family is suggested.
To commemorate the City of Troy’s 60th Anniversary in 2015, we will publish a different story each day that highlights a person, discovery, or event that occurred locally, regionally, nationally, or even globally between 1955 and 2015 and that helped shape our lives and our community. We will try to post stories on important anniversary dates, but we also realize that dates are less critical than content and context. We will include the facts related to controversial stories, allowing our readers to form their own opinions. We invite you to read and comment on the stories. Your suggestions for topics are also welcome and can be posted on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/TroyHistoricVillage. You can also email stories or ideas to the 365 Story Editor at ed@thvmail.org.
