International Day celebrates Glendale Heights' diversity

When Sohail Bari first arrived in Glendale Heights from Pakistan about 30 years ago, it took him some time to get used to being in a new country.

He had to learn a new culture. That winter, Bari saw snow for the first time in his life. And finding others of his background wasn't easy.

Today, he runs multiple cricket leagues with other people from Pakistan and India in Glendale Heights. It's a piece of home that he takes very seriously.

But although Bari, 51, enjoys his cricket and time spent with his countrymen and women, he said getting out into the community and taking part in government affairs is just as important for relocated people to assimilate into U.S. society.

"The thing is to make it feel like a home even though you are at a different place," Bari said. "That's how you build a strong community and strong government."

Bari is head of the village's International Day committee, which will host its ninth annual International Day on Sunday, Sept. 19. The event features residents and area groups representing different heritages showing off their culture. The festivities start at 1 p.m. with an opening ceremony that will include flags of several nations. The ceremony will be followed by dances and traditional customs of different cultures represented in Glendale Heights' residents.

Bari said the event is not a celebration of any one particular heritage and that gives it more of an inclusive feel.

"It's just to try to bring people together," he said. "The whole day is all about entertainment and keeping a strong community. We have come up with some ideas to bring them together and shorten the distance between the different groups."

Bari has been involved on the committee since it first began. During his early years in Glendale Heights, Bari said he was afraid of talking to anybody who did not appear to be from Pakistan. He said he hopes others do not share his fear.

"You keep away from those groups and you hurt yourself," he said. "You are not enjoying yourself. Once you communicate with people and hang around with them, your life becomes easier."

Village President Linda Jackson said she takes pride in the community's diversity and especially enjoys International Day.

"People are always looking at how people are different and you don't get to know people from other nationalities because you shy away because you don't know what you have in common," Jackson said. "This is a celebration of everybody's ethnicity and everybody's cultural dances."

The event's inclusive nature helps it stand out from other celebrations, which typically celebrate one culture.

"It's very enriching," she said. "Having a day like this, where everyone blends in and is part of the whole, it's celebrating everybody's heritage."

Bari agreed and said it helps make things more comfortable for the community.

"This is one effort," Bari said. "One step to reach that goal of bringing the entire community together."

If you goWhat: Glendale Heights International DayWhen: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19Where: Camera Park, 101 Fullerton Ave., Glendale HeightsCost: FreeDetails: Free food from local international restaurants Info: (630) 909-5302False20001358Glendale Heights's International Day aims to make everyone feel included, rather than highlighting a single culture or ethnicity, organizers say.Tanit Jarusan | Staff PhotographerFalse