MINNEAPOLIS — Fostering connections between generations through culture, music and food — that’s the goal of a diverse group of Minnesotans dedicated to bridging the gap between people of different backgrounds.
They come from different backgrounds but all have one common goal.
“When we see each other as one, we will treat each other differently,” said Waseti founder Sam Reeves.
Waseti represents Liberia, the United States, Sweden and South Korea.
“As Waseti, we are strong enough to inspire. We use our energy to inspire others and encourage ourselves." Reeves said.
Their mission is to use music, culture, and food to spread love and acceptance.
“One way to do that is to highlight the differences and similarities that we have among different cultures and different nationalities,” Reeves said.
Reeves created the Waseti and RICE series.
“The RICE series is a real, interactive cultural exchange that requires greater unity among the global community,” he said.
The fundamental foundation of that unity is music.
“The way we plan to use music is as an institution that brings people together, and we believe that when people grow apart, they will be more motivated to learn more about each other.” said Reeves.
The latest edition of the RICE series features Korean songs.
“This song is 600 years old,” Jeannie Lee said of one piece. “You know, there’s a division between the North and the South. This song unites both sides. We sing the same.”
Lee, who was born in the United States to Korean immigrants, helped teach the lyrics and meaning of this folk song. She believes this cultural exchange is essential to breaking down barriers.
“I hope all of us sing these Korean songs and think, ‘Wow, it’s amazing to see so many different types of faces singing together,'” Lee said. “And I hope that when they hear a gospel song or an African-American song, they’ll look at us again and go, ‘Wow, you know what I mean? That’s different.’ There’s no problem because we’re all together. ”
Let’s all join in the movement to stop tolerating each other’s differences and start accepting and accepting them.
“My hope is that, regardless of our differences, we are one and all of us are one,” Reeves said.
reg chapman