Connecting Cultures for Peace is inviting the Tampa Bay community to join a new series designed to build understanding across cultures. The Holiday Multicultural Listening & Activity Circles will take place monthly from December through March, with each gathering celebrating diverse traditions and exploring how light, hope and unity shape our lives. The series creates safe spaces for authentic dialogue and meaningful connection, offering opportunities to share food, stories, crafts, music, youth activities and reflections that highlight both the uniqueness of our heritages and the values we share. Each monthly circle serves as a stepping stone toward a landmark community event: the Intercultural Evening of Unity, scheduled for March 15, 2026, at the Tampa Bay History Center.

The Intercultural Evening of Unity will feature two nationally recognized speakers whose life experiences demonstrate the power of human connection to confront hate. Daryl Davis, known for persuading more than 200 Ku Klux Klan members to leave hate behind, will join Frank Meeink, a former neo-Nazi who is now a Jewish activist committed to combating antisemitism and extremism. Their stories, rooted in courage and empathy, exemplify the transformations possible when people truly listen to one another and find shared humanity.

The evening will also highlight artists who use their work to challenge antisemitism, racism and intolerance through compassion, creativity and community building. Through music, spoken word and visual art, these creators demonstrate that cultural expression can be a powerful tool for healing, dialogue and change. Together, the speakers and artists will underscore the event’s central message: peace begins when we choose connection over division and curiosity over judgment.

Founded in 2020, Connecting Cultures for Peace is a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization with a mission that is simple but profound: unite people of all backgrounds to foster empathy, education and collaboration in the pursuit of peace. The organization hosts both virtual and in-person programming. Earlier this year, the organization hosted a variety of events including interfaith book clubs that begin online and later move into local communities; a wine tasting featuring that explored the history of Israeli winemaking; and a “Sunday Supper Barbecue” designed to bring neighbors together over shared stories and diverse culinary traditions.

Each month, as the Listening & Activity Circles add another “candle” to a shared light, organizers hope the flame will grow brighter through collective action and shared purpose. The community is invited to “Come listen. Come learn. Come shine.” For more information, visit ccfp.events or call (888) 404-3175.