Would you like to keep your family strong and enjoy affordable summer fun?
If that sounds like a good combination to you, then get ready for African- American Day at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Coming Thursday, July 21st, African-American Family Day is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of the family unit while also enjoying exciting activities at the zoo.
“This will be a day for families of all generations to have a special day together at the zoo,” said Dominique Lee, a media and music producer who created African-American Family Day with his wife Wilhelmina.
They have also developed the emerging African-American Food Network.
Lee noted that high divorce rates and other national issues are impacting American families of all cultures. However, he added, African-American families face a unique set of economic, health and social challenges and need a positive day that celebrates the family unit.
After initial hesitation officials with the Indianapolis Zoo agreed to firmly embrace African-American Family Day to support diversity.
With discounted admission that day, guests will be able to see more than just regular zoo exhibits.
They will have access to exciting seasonal activities such as the Animals & All That Jazz Concert from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., a special menu will be prepared for the event and a water splash area is available for kids.
Wilhelmina Lee likes the fact that African-American Family Day will make going to the zoo more affordable for families. They can get $4 off the price of admission by going to the African-American Family Day page on Facebook and printing off the coupons.
“Some kids don’t even get to go to the zoo,” Wilhelmina Lee said. “This event offers families another opportunity to do that.”
What is meant for fun and unity, however, has attracted the wrong attention.
Dominique Lee said hecklers have been leaving racist messages on the African-American Family Day Facebook page. He has also received racist phone calls, including four in a single day.
One message shown to the Recorder stated, “maybe it’s time for white people to march on the zoo”, while another said “if there was a White Family Day people would call it a Klan rally.”
Lee said these people do not understand the need for African-Americans to celebrate something positive such as their family heritage.
He added that just because the event celebrates African-American families doesn’t mean that anyone is excluded.
It is not right for racists to stereotype Blacks with certain negative behaviours then criticize them when they have positive events.
“It’s not fair because there are events celebrating other cultures in this city,” Lee said. “No one said anything when they had Latino Day.”
Lee said the harassment was only an effort to discourage him and he is not concerned about any problems occurring at the zoo. The Indianapolis Zoo also has security on its staff and is frequently patrolled by police.
Despite the toxic doses of hate, the Lees pledge to move forward with an event they know will be beneficial to the community.
“They will not stop this event. I can promise you that,” Dominique Lee said. “We are going to bring families together and everyone will have a good time.”
For more information, to download coupons and to hear the uptempo event theme song, visit the African-American Family Day on Facebook. You may also call (317) 709-3599. The first two families who arrive with at least four people will get free shirts.
