By Raha Behnam Shabahang

It was a gift beyond measure to witness so many Iranian men and women exploring, celebrating, and showcasing their relationship to their cultural heritage, in the form of song, poetry, music and connection to each other. For me, it was special in more ways than one. As the daughter of Darab and Mahvash, seeing my parents surrounded by such warmth, care, connection and community is a deeply magical feeling. In a society that leaves many elders isolated and disconnected, to see my parents at the center of such a loving community brings me so much comfort and assuredness of their lifelong happiness.

As an artist myself, being immersed in the arts and culture of my people is an invaluable gift. In recent months, I have been healing my disconnection from this very culture. I was eight years old when I left Iran, and it will take a great deal of work before the language, literature and music of my country will sit fully comfortably within me, because I lost it all so early in life. Therefore, attending PACC’s spring celebration was also a form of research for me.

What I loved most especially about the gathering was the willingness of so many people who don’t identify as professional artists, poets and musicians to go up on a stage, and share what they have learned with others. Our culture will evolve and be kept alive only if many of us are willing to be vulnerable enough to create and share with each other. Every single person’s offering was beautiful and a gift to witness. I look forward to this community growing, expanding and evolving, and to many celebrations to come.