Shortly On April 3, B5 had its first cultural dinner. While we couldn’t magically transport anyone to Sudan, guests were treated to authentic Sudanese cuisine, cooked by our B5 friends Omkalthom Abaker and Khalada Mohamed. They all also learned about some cultural Sudanese customs.
As the evening began, guests got a little nervous when they learned that in Sudan people always eat with their right hand and never use utensils. We were encouraged to eat our meal that way, but place settings did include forks and spoons for those who weren’t comfortable eating their lentil stew with their hands.
Omkalthom’s husband, Alwali Yagoub, shared about the culture of Sudan. Guests were very interested in Kawari, a stew made of sheep’s hooves that Alwali says will cure your aching joints.
Hagar Hamad shared about how B5 helped here family when they first arrived. In the three years since they came to Kennewick, several B5 teachers and mentors have helped Hagar’s family members learn English, get driving lessons, do homework, and even find jobs.
Our supporters made the event memorable. Whether you came to explore new flavors, learn about Sudanese culture, or simply to enjoy an evening with friends, your support was invaluable. Thank you for being part of this cultural journey with us and for choosing to walk alongside the families we serve.
We are excited about the future and look forward to hosting more cultural dinners. These events are not only about enjoying good food but are also about building bridges and fostering understanding between cultures. We hope to continue to build a connected community of belonging.
