Brighton Avenue School came alive with the colors, sounds, and traditions of the world as students and staff celebrated World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
Organized by the school’s staff in partnership with the City of Atlantic City’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, the event offered students a unique and immersive experience to learn about different cultures.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small thanked both the City and the administrative team at Brighton Avenue School for their collaboration and commitment to celebrating diversity. “This event serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from embracing and honoring the unique cultures, traditions, and perspectives that make up our school community,” Dr. Small said. “I am deeply appreciative of the City of Atlantic City’s unwavering partnership in championing initiatives that highlight the beauty and strength of our diverse community. “I also commend the dedication, creativity, and passion of the Brighton Avenue School staff, who worked tirelessly to make this celebration both impactful and memorable.”
Mayor Marty Small attended the celebration, touring the school to admire students’ creative work and emphasize the importance of diversity in the community. “This aligns with my vision,” Mayor Small said. “We have a multicultural (office), and we will always support the multicultural community.”
International sounds and scents filled the school as music from around the world played and the aroma of Spanish empanadas wafted through the air. Brighton Avenue School Principal Jason Grimes said the entire day was designed to promote cultural pride and understanding. “We wanted to showcase our students’ cultural backgrounds, traditions, and diversity,” said Grimes. “We did this through art, music, food, and dance.”
Principal Jason Grimes (Left) and City of Atlantic City Office of Multicultural Affairs Program Coordinator Mimi Nambo (Right).
Students, along with their teachers, transformed 22 classrooms into mini-cultural hubs, each dedicated to a different country—including Mexico, Japan, Italy, the Dominican Republic, and several others. From vibrant decorations to detailed displays, every room offered a glimpse into the traditions, history, and art of its respective nation.
At the start of the event, students received mock passports and embarked on a global journey, visiting classrooms on all three floors of the school. They learned about various countries and collected passport stamps as keepsakes—traveling the world without ever leaving the building.
Students take photos with Principal Jason Grimes and staff.
“The educational component was implemented while the children were doing the crafts,” said Mimi Nambo, program coordinator for the City’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. She explained that many students who come to the United States often lose touch with their own cultures as they acclimate to American society.
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed annually on May 21. The day promotes cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. It was established by the United Nations in 2002, following UNESCO’s Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity adopted in 2001. UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Since its inception, the celebration has served as a global platform to encourage nations, communities, and individuals to embrace the richness of cultural expressions. It highlights cultural diversity as a source of innovation, creativity, and progress. Through events, discussions, and initiatives, the day fosters cross-cultural understanding and aims to combat stereotypes and prejudices—ultimately promoting peace and sustainable development worldwide.
“We believe our strength is in our diversity,” Grimes said.
Joyas de Honduras dance group takes photos with Brighton Avenue School staff.
In addition to food, music, and decorated classrooms, the school welcomed a Honduran dance group, Joyas de Honduras, to perform. The City’s diversity mascot, MILLY—short for Multicultural Inclusion Language Literacy Youth Empowerment—accompanied Nambo and the City’s Multicultural staff to greet students throughout the day.
The event’s success was a testament to the strong collaboration between Brighton Avenue School and the City’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. Together, they created a joyful, educational, and inspiring experience that left students more aware of—and proud of—the beauty of cultural diversity.
