Houston protests: International Festival USA changes location from Discovery Green after NRA protests take over Discovery Green

On Friday, Discovery Green announced it was canceling the festival set due to safety concerns stemming from protests surrounding the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and the subsequent Houston gun convention.

iFest USA, considered the official celebration of multiculturalism and diversity, announced Saturday morning that the festival will continue at City Hall at Hermann Square Reflection Pond.

The festival promotes learning and information in support of peace, love and friendship. The festival features exhibits and performances by representatives of different nationalities.

iFest USA said in a press release:

Our city and state are gripped by the aftermath of the horrific massive shooting at a Texas elementary school that killed 19 boys and girls while they were at school along with 2 teachers, not to mention the many who were also injured. Added to this is a horrible series of mass murders in America. As a pause to reflect on the two-year anniversary of George Floyd’s killing, who was also a Houston native, all too common and yet in our home state. The alarm has been sounded and the bells are ringing for the need for unity and reconciliation.

“The nation’s official celebration of multiculturalism and diversity – celebrating AAPI Heritage Month and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization”

As we all face a global human crisis, we are reminded every day of how our destinies are connected. If a neighbor, family member, friend, or country is not safe, then none of us are safe. We’ve learned that our well-being and safety are related to what’s happening next door. Indeed, maintaining peace can only be achieved when we learn to live and accept one another and embrace our differences.

The International Festival USA counters this reckoning with the current situation with a lasting moment of solidarity and community at a time when unity seems to lie in a short production.