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News  Edward Brooke Courthouse celebrates 8th Annual Cultural Appreciation Week with Cultural Fashion Show, Italian Opera soloist and Poetry

The celebration featured an Italian Opera solo by Rocco Iannaci who is also an attorney, a Cultural fashion show spotlighting clothing that represents Jamaica, Ethiopia, Ireland, and Cape Verde.
10/22/2024
  • Massachusetts Probation Service

Media Contact   for Edward Brooke Courthouse celebrates 8th Annual Cultural Appreciation Week with Cultural Fashion Show, Italian Opera soloist and Poetry

Coria Holland, Communications Director

A group of 5 people pose for a picture.

Signature Court events are designated court and Community Justice Support Center sites visited by court, state, and community leaders.

Shirby Stewart-Best, Suffolk Juvenile Assistant Chief Probation Officer, was the fashion show master of ceremonies. Allison Engelken, Suffolk Probate & Family Probation Office Manager, provided opening remarks.

Housing Specialist Aster G. Hishe recited a poem, “The Strength in Diversity,” a poem about celebrating differences. Assistant Court Officer Stephanie Cruz served as guest speaker.

“We are a human tapestry of unique threads. We gain commitment through connections. When we strengthen our connections, long-term positive changes are possible,” Ms. Cruz told the audience.

The event also included cultural trivia and a feast with cuisine from numerous cultures such as Rasta Pasta, Haitian lasagna, dumplings, noodles, tacos, and more.

Event Photos
A woman delivers remarks from behind a podium
Assistant Court Officer Stephanie Cruz
A group of people pose for a picture with a French Bulldog in the foreground
Fashion show participants: Edwin Welch, Suffolk Probate & Family Court; APO Tabisha Grey, Boston Municipal Court; PO’s Kaitlyn Bourgeois and Margaret Rose; Aster G. Hishe, Housing Specialist; Assistant Court Officer Stephanie Cruz; and Richard Lazcano, Case Coordinator. In blue sweater is Nathaniel Pratt-Love, Court Officer, and CPO Welch’s dog Brody.
A long table covered in various foods with people serving others on the other side.
CAW feast photo
A woman holding a piece of paper delivers remarks from behind a podium
Shirby Stewart-Best, Suffolk Juvenile Assistant Chief Probation Officer holding CAW logo
A group of three pose for a picture together.
Suffolk Probate & Family First Justice Brian Dunn, Suffolk P&F Case Coordinator Richard Lazcano, and Associate Justice Janine Rivers.
 

Media Contact   for Edward Brooke Courthouse celebrates 8th Annual Cultural Appreciation Week with Cultural Fashion Show, Italian Opera soloist and Poetry

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