NORTHAMPTON — Piles of paperwork and court documents were replaced with dishes from around the globe Thursday afternoon in the Hampshire County Courthouse’s courtroom two.
Around two dozen court employees — clerks, probation officers, security personnel, custodians and the district judge — gathered for the first Cultural Appreciation Day.
“I think there was a need for us to reach out and acknowledge and embrace the differences we have in the trial court and the people we serve,” Chief Probation Officer Jane Pendergast said.
The world is in a shaky spot, she said, and it was time to focus on the positive.
“The better we are informed, the better we are able to serve our community,” Pendergast said.
Across the commonwealth, 30 courts hosted celebrations of the cultural, racial, ethic and gender diversity of court users, staff and surrounding communities as part of the appreciation day. Each courthouse planned its own events and while some invited speakers, others took to their feet for a salsa dancing lesson.
The goal of the day is to unite and educate court employees around the issues of diversity and inclusiveness as well as enhance services for court users, according to Massachusetts Probation Services.
The Cultural Appreciation Day was first launched by more than 120 probation staff volunteers — called Cultural Proficiency Champions — who attend regular diversity training and serve as ambassadors throughout the state.
In preparation for the Northampton District Court’s talk and lunch, Pendergast spoke with many in the courthouse about their own traditions and the pride and respect that comes with them.
“We have to remember with the folks that we deal with, they come to us, usually in very difficult places but also with that same pride and respect,” Pendergast said. “It’s important for us to be mindful of that, respectful and courteous and embrace the diversity.”
Before those gathered inside the courtroom had their chance to taste the dishes brought by colleagues highlighting their own cultures and heritage, the group heard from Kent Alexander, a diversity and inclusion consultant.
“The definition of a diverse and inclusive organization is elusive as people value different things,” Alexander said. “It is undeniable that having a workforce that is both diverse and inclusive is crucial … diverse and inclusive workforces make better decisions, are more productive and make for more successful organizations.
“Why? It’s the same reasons why this country was built,” he continued. “The more input we have and the different ideas we have, the better the product is.”
In Hampshire County’s other courthouse in Belchertown, those who entered Eastern Hampshire District Court Thursday afternoon were greeted by the sight of flags of many nations and a smorgasbord of food from around the world including herring, tabouli and potato pancakes.
Court clerks, probation officers, prosecutors, local police and community partners were on hand for the celebration and a pair of bagpipers played.
Associate justice of Eastern Hampshire District Court Maureen Walsh called the day a great opportunity. “The trial court recognized the importance of diversity both for the people we serve and work with,” Walsh said. “We don’t get to celebrate often.”
Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.