July 26, 2024

Festival of Nations: A Cultural Mosaic

The Festival of Nations, which represents over 30 countries, features music, food, art, and dance, and aims to highlight the multicultural fabric of the city. Arrey Obenson, President and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis, discusses the festival's history, its growth, and its aim to make St. Louis a welcoming and multicultural city.

Additional discussion centers around the integration and support of immigrants and refugees in the community, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding with non-English speakers. Obenson calls for community involvement through donations, volunteerism, and support for new arrivals to help them transition and thrive in St. Louis.

Show Notes
Guest Profile

The Festival of Nations is an annual event that features music, art, dance, and food from over 30 countries. Arrey Obenson, President and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis, who provides insights into the festival and its significance in promoting multiculturalism. Obenson emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding toward immigrants and details the various facilities and programs offered by the International Institute to help immigrants integrate into the community. The conversation also touches upon the economic and cultural benefits of embracing diversity and the role of the International Institute in supporting St. Louis' immigrant population.

[00:00] Introduction to the Festival of Nations

[00:23] Welcoming the Hosts and Guest

[01:02] Return to Civility: Patience with Language Barriers

[03:00] Festival of Nations: Event Highlights

[04:59] St. Louis Cultural Integration

[12:16] Festival Logistics and Volunteer Information

[17:52] Challenges and Opportunities for St. Louis

[22:00] Building Affordable Housing in St. Louis

[22:10] Refugee Arrivals and Community Support

[23:04] Challenges in Communication and Collaboration

[24:03] Business Community's Positive Response

[24:39] Investing in St. Louis' Future

[26:15] Success Stories and Community Impact

[34:39] Holistic Support for New Arrivals

[36:19] Volunteerism and Community Involvement

[42:21] Diverse Arrivals and Cultural Integration

[46:35] Conclusion and Festival of Nations

This is Season 7! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

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Arrey Obenson

President and CEO / Author

Arrey Obenson is President and CEO of the International Institute of Saint Louis (IISTL). IISTL provides opportunities for immigrants and refugees to thrive in order to create a welcoming, prosperous, and healthy region for all. Obenson emigrated from Cameroon and faced many of the same obstacles that confront the immigrants today. He is a barrister of law in Cameroon and the author of Bridging the Opportunity Gap.

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