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SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah ethnic groups hope to heal the wounds of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 through cultural arts celebrations.
Alex Ngendakurio is a Burundi native who was living in Tanzania when he first heard about the terror attacks in the United States.
"I heard that through the radio. It was kind of shocking news," he said.
But on Friday, Ngendakurio was part of the Burundi Drummers Troupe, a group that frequently performs at Utah cultural events.
"We learned this from our grandpa and we pass this to people around the world," Ngendakurio said.
It is the third year the Burundi Drummers have participated in the Salaam Festival in Salt Lake City.
"It's a goodwill festival," said Salaam Festival organizer Ghulam Hasnain. "It's an American festival where we all stand together and sort of enjoy the very best of cultural arts expression."
As a Muslim, Hasnain said he and other Utah Muslim felt some backlash after the 9/11 attacks.
It's a goodwill festival. It's an American festival where we all stand together and sort of enjoy the very best of cultural arts expression.
–Ghulam Hasnain
"It made them aware of who they are -- to put their best face and front -- and to reach out more so," Hasnain said.
Which is why Hasnain started the Salaam Festival. Salaam means peace in Arabic, and that's exactly what he hopes to bring to the hearts and minds of those trying to make sense of the tragic events of Sept. 11.
"Regardless of who you are -- Japanese, African-American, African or Latino Hispanics -- we are all part of the American fabric," Hasnain said.
Volunteers Doc Miller and Katherine St. John also participate in the annual festival, playing Afghani instruments.
"This is the time that we're able to celebrate and move forward with respect for our culture and the people and the history of these parts of the wonderful -- parts of the world -- that we know so little about," Katherine St. John said.
The Salaam Festival is Saturday at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can learn more about the Salaam Festival at 4 p.m. Sunday on "Cultural Connections" on KSL Newsradio 102.7FM/1160AM.
Email: niyamba@ksl.com
