Ohana

Tonight I was lucky enough to volunteer at an event celebrating Asian Pacific Islanders. The most amazing thing about this event was that it reflected Ohana, which means family in Hawaiian culture. That this event was held at the local correctional facility makes it even more powerful because for a few hours, the fences and barbed-wire faded away, to be replaced by cultural pride and joy which everyone in the room was invited to share in and a part of.

There were three people at this event, Johnny, Leilani, and Nancy, who each embody Ohana. Johnny was the gentleman in charge of the performance; he led the group of men performing and explained what each dance or song represented. After welcoming everyone to the event, Johnny made it clear that each person in the room, regardless of their own backgrounds, was not only invited, but encouraged to participate in the event. He also explained that the men performing with him were not only his crew, but had become his family.

Leilani is a community member who volunteered to attend this event and share her knowledge about the history of the Hawaiian people. With grace and warmth, she prayed and danced; like Johnny, she urged everyone to join in and partake in the dancing and singing. Leilani explained that in her culture, they have animal spirits who are life blessings. Her spirits are the shark and the turtle. Leilani invited each person in the room to share her blessing or spirit and in so doing, to make their ancestors proud. When the performances were over, Leilani lingered and spent time talking with person after person, showing love and acceptance in her attitude and respect for them.

Nancy is currently working at the correctional facility as the community partnerships coordinator (sadly her job is being eliminated due to the state's budget woes). During the course of this evening, these men took time to thank her for her work on events and activities like this evening's Asian Pacific Islander event. With their appreciation, they showed Nancy they have all accepted her as part of their Ohana. Nancy's respect and appreciation of each of these men has shown them that they are valued and loved. She has opened her heart and mind to include them in her Ohana.

It was truly a delight for me to be experience the best of human culture--love and acceptance--at this event. Ohana in the house!