International dances will be performed during Diversity Week Jan. 19-24. Courtesy photo

Book Club readings 1-2:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19 at Mesa Public Library. Courtesy photo

One Los Alamos News:

One Los Alamos invites the community to celebrate Diversity Week Jan. 19-24, 2020, proclaimed by the County, with a series of art and cultural events.

All events are free and open to all.

One Los Alamos Books by Women of Color Book Club:

• 1-2:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19, Mesa Public Library, 2400 Central, Rooms 2&3, 3rd floor

This is an ongoing book club open to all. Can’t always commit to a book club? You want to read what you want to read? There are no assigned books and no stress from not having finished reading a book — come hear what other people have been reading. We read and share about books from underrepresented voices and perspectives, books written by women of color or others. Bring snacks to share and make some new friends.

International Potluck and Dances:

• 5:30-7:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 20, Unitarian Church, 1726 Sage Loop

Bring a favorite food from your culture to share or just yourself and your family to this community gathering. The event is co-sponsored by Prism, LANL’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group. Performers include the Maa Tuu dance group from the Santa Clara Pueblo performing Native American hoop dances, as well as East Indian, Arabic, and Modern dances. This is a zero-waste event: bring your own dinnerware. Contact mayasharma0909@gmail.com if you would like to dance, sing, or play a musical instrument to showcase your culture.

6-Word Story Slam — Unique & Connected:

• Friday, Jan. 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m., UNM-LA, 4000 University Dr.

How would you describe your unique and connected life in a 6-word story? The 6-word story was inspired by Ernest Hemingway taking up a bar bet to write a novel in 6 words. Hemingway’s response: “For Sale: Baby shoes, never worn.” Besides making the telling of your journey easier, this six-word challenge helps people focus on, celebrate, and hold onto the essence of their stories and see the connectedness of their stories with other’s stories. This is an all ages event hosted by Tina DeYoe, Amaya Coblentz and Missy Varol. Sharing stories is optional, but do come hear the stories of your fellow Los Alamos community. There will be food. Contact heidihrogers@me.com with questions.

Mesa Public Library is holding special events that fall near Diversity Week:

• Chinese New Year celebration, 2 p.m., Jan. 25;
• World Read Aloud, 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, (readers from all over the world will share picture books); and
  
• First of four Black History Month events, 1–3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, The Zone.

Diversity Week is just a start to celebrating the rich diversity in local culture and identities through the year.

An international potluck is part of Diversity Week. Courtesy photo