The Rutland Branch of the NAACP invites the public to their next Soul Food Sunday at Green Mountain College, The Gorge, Withey Hall, 1 Brennan Circle, Poultney – The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race- based discrimination. To further reflect this mission, the Events Committee of the Rutland Area Branch of the NAACP has decided to commemorate Cinco de Mayo as the central theme for our Soul Food Sunday event. Cinco de Mayo, while not widely celebrated in Mexico, is believed to have been originated by Mexicans living in California in the 1860's in response to the unlikely victory of Mexican forces over French forces in the Battle of Pubela on May 5, 1862. Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not the celebration of Mexican independence, which would not happen until 1867 after the defeat and expulsion of French forces from Mexico in 1867. Mexican independence is celebrated on September 16th. We ask that those planning to attend our event be respectful and mindful that our intention is to celebrate in a culturally sensitive manner. Below are a few articles regarding the history of Cinco de Mayo and how best to commemorate this largely misunderstood celebration: https://www.romper.com/p/how-to- be-respectful- on-cinco- de-mayo- because-its- a-cultural- celebration-10067 and https://www.romper.com/p/6-ways- to-celebrate- cinco-de- mayo-without- appropriating-the- mexican- culture-55691 Additionally, below is an online potluck sign-up for our event. It is important to our branch to keep our Soul Food Sundays free to our communities and ask that if possible, to please bring a dish to share with other attendees. Please do not bring alcohol; this is a family friendly event! Potluck sign up: https://www.PerfectPotluck.com/YDXL9486 Please feel free to contact our Second Vice President, Lakeisha Brown (vp2@naacprutland.org) or Treasurer, Jennifer Philo (treasurer@naacprutland.org) if you have any questions. Thank you!

Dec 19, 2024, 12 to 8 PM

Dec 21, 2024, 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Dec 22, 2024, 5 to 6 PM