Non-Profit Spotlight - VIVA

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Village in the Valley

With the growth of the University, the medical community, and the influence of multinational companies, the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow more diverse every year. Understanding the culture of others has become a more prevalent need now more than ever. Enter Village in the Valley, affectionately known as ViVa. ViVa is a nonprofit organization founded on four core principles: community engagement, economic empowerment, social & cultural connections, and education & training.

ViVa’s mission is elevating and uniting the Black community while connecting cultures in the Rio Grande Valley. ViVa is a membershipbased organization open to everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. You are a perfect member for ViVa if you want to learn about the different cultures in the Rio Grande Valley, promote appreciation of cultural differences and similarities, are open to trying new things, and want to build respect and empathy for your community.

Each month ViVa hosts a “First Friday” to unite cultures and learn about members of our community. This event is based on relationship building, engaging with the community, as well as creating networking connections. All are welcome to attend and connect with our members to learn and share experiences. So, mark your calendar for the first Friday of each month, 6pm and meet us at the McAllen Food Park.

Annually, ViVa celebrates Juneteenth by hosting an event in recognition of the day all people were free in America. This year on the eve of this Emancipation holiday, ViVa will be having its inaugural Juneteenth Celebration & Scholarship Fund Event. All are invited to enjoy food, beverage, and auction, as we celebrate what Juneteenth means to us – Perfecting Unity.

ViVa invites you to make a conscious decision to engage with other cultures and to become a member. Interested in membership, becoming a sponsor, or purchasing a ticket to the Juneteenth event visit www.villageinthevalley.org.