SAN DIEGO - On March 29, the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission and the Fair Housing Council of San Diego will present Unity Fest 2002, a free event designed to combat hate and hate-crimes through unity in cultural awareness and appreciation.

Part of the Fair Housing Council of San Diego's Hate Crime Prevention program, Unity Fest will showcase dynamic cultural performances from various backgrounds, as well as drama and music, which speak about tolerance, hate, respect, and the value of diversity in our communities.

"This exciting event will be meaningful for people of all ages, especially young people and their families," said Ashley Walker, executive director of the Human Relations Commission. "Now, more than ever, we need to work together and celebrate our diversity."

• Ballet Folklorico Cristo Rey
• Adrian Ewings and the Steps of Praise, youth gospel hip-hop performers
• Persian Cultural Dance Academy
• Teatro Izcalli Sin Verguenza, Chicano Theatre
• Randy Graves, Australian Aboriginal Didgeridoo

George Lipsitz, chair of the Ethnic Studies Department at the University of California, San Diego, will give the opening address.

"The featured performances showcase a wide variety of styles and cultures," said Josh Rhodes of Fair Housing Council of San Diego. "Unity Fest combines great entertainment with important messages about the value of unity within diversity."

Unity Fest will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. at the San Diego Repertory Theatre at the Lyceum, in Horton Plaza. Contact Josh Rhodes at (619) 699-5888, Ext. 204 for more information or to reserve tickets.

Unity Fest 2002 will also be presented April 12, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, in Oceanside. In conjunction with Partners for Healthy Neighborhoods Inc., this event will include several of the performers participating in the San Diego event. Contact (760) 757-8211 for more information.