On Monday, Nov. 24, the nonprofit Welcoming Falls Church hosted a Thanksgiving potluck in the MEH cafeteria, with the goal of uniting the Falls Church native and immigrant communities. The event had 144 RSVPs, more than enough to fill two long tables with Thanksgiving food and food from other cultures, as well as two more with desserts and drinks.
There was a warm atmosphere of community and acceptance between attendees, with both Falls Church natives and immigrants conversing and appreciating each other’s cultures.
The potluck was managed and organized by Paul Boesen, the chair and cofounder of Welcoming Falls Church. This year’s event is its fourth instance, having started in 2022 in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic to, “give thanks together and come together,” Boesen said.
“The best part is the overwhelming response at a time when a lot of international people are feeling a lot of fear,” Boesen said.
This year’s event was partially financed by the American Legion’s Post 130, which voted unanimously to provide funding for food and organization. The idea was first proposed at Post 130 by 3rd Vice Commander Marcel Davis and seconded by 1st Vice Commander Tommy Powell.
The American Legion was connected to Welcoming Falls Church by Commander Davis’ wife, Samira Davis, who is on its board.
The event was a successful move to integrate Falls Church’s growing immigrant community with those who already live here. The participants successfully broke down barriers between groups, with long-time residents developing social bonds with the freshest of immigrants.
Despite the potluck’s major success, Boesen believes more work like this is possible with more manpower, delivering an entreaty for greater student involvement.
“I want to encourage any students in Meridian to get involved in the Welcoming Falls Church Club.”
