On November 15, 2025, the Immigrant Guide team and volunteers joined the Family Peace Association to celebrate the International Culture and Family Festival in Lynnwood — a joyful gathering that brought together people from around the world to share food, stories, art, and traditions that bind families and communities together.
Immigrant Guide proudly hosted the African Booth, where volunteers displayed a colorful array of handcrafted items — woven baskets, calabashes, table mats, and purses — representing the artistry and creativity of African communities. The booth, coordinated by our volunteer project coordinator, Joan Namugabo and Co-Executive director, Mpiima, quickly became a vibrant meeting spot for attendees curious to learn about African cultures and family traditions.
As music, laughter, and the aroma of global dishes filled the air, our team shared African foods and enjoyed sampling delicacies from many other cultures represented at the festival. Countries including Uganda, Kenya, Gambia, Brazil, the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, Korea, Mongolia, Japan, Thailand, and the United States were all proudly represented — a living reflection of the global community that now calls Washington home.
Children’s laughter echoed from the face-painting and art stations, while cultural dance performances filled the hall with rhythm and joy. Beyond the celebration, however, the event reminded everyone of a deeper truth: that family and culture remain at the heart of resilience, belonging, and peace.
Wisdom from African Rites of Passage: A Message from Monica Muliro
During the festival’s storytelling segment, Immigrant Guide Board Member Monica Muliro shared a powerful reflection titled “Wisdom from African Rites of Passage: Traditions That Uplift Family Bonds.” Her message reminded the audience that in many African cultures, family is more than a household — it is a living network that stretches across generations, linking the past, present, and future.
Monica explained that in traditional African society, “strength was not found in individual independence, but in structured interdependence — a shared resilience that transformed personal struggle into communal strength.”
She went on to describe Rites of Passage as deeply educational and transformative experiences — more than mere ceremonies, they are structured processes that mark a person’s transition from one stage of life to another. Through these rites, elders impart wisdom, values, and the practical tools needed to thrive as part of a family and community.
Across life’s journey, these rites guide individuals through birth and naming, initiation into adulthood, marriage, and even death — each milestone reinforcing the collective strength and continuity of the family.
- Rites of Birth and Naming: These ceremonies connect a child to their lineage and community, instilling a sense of belonging from the very beginning.
- Initiation Rites: Adolescents are guided by elders to learn discipline, ethics, and responsibility, ensuring the continuity of leadership and family care.
- Marriage Rites: A marriage unites not just two individuals but two families — strengthening social networks and community resilience.
- Rites of Death: Mourning is communal, transforming grief into a shared process of healing and remembrance, affirming the unbroken bond between the living and the ancestors.
Monica concluded with a moving reminder:
“African Rites of Passage offer us a timeless blueprint for strengthening families today. They teach us to bridge generational gaps, honor interdependence, and recognize that our individual growth contributes to the strength of our communities.”
A Celebration of Unity and Shared Humanity
The International Culture and Family Festival was more than a celebration — it was a living expression of what Immigrant Guide stands for: unity in diversity, cultural pride, and the power of community.
Through events like this, Immigrant Guide continues to amplify immigrant voices, celebrate heritage, and promote understanding among cultures. Together, we are creating a Washington where families from all backgrounds can thrive, share their stories, and shape a more compassionate and connected future.
