Get Down in T-Town brings a celebration of culture and diversity to downtown Topeka

TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – It was a day full of activities for all ages, but “Get Down in T-Town” has a much deeper meaning – it was created by Topeka United to celebrate diversity in Topeka.

The program included a children's concert, activities with the Kansas Children's Discovery Center, and special offers at downtown restaurants and shops. The evening was then capped off with a program of various musical acts and performances highlighting local talent.

“After all the cultural events, this is all about the melting pot of cultural diversity,” said host SJ Nazim.

This summer has seen several cultural events – including Fiesta Topeka and For the Culture. Since Get Down in T-Town celebrates the mixing of all cultures, Hazim thinks it's a perfect way to end the season.

14 unique performances were planned for the event.

Gospel singer Allena Ross was also among the performers. She said she was honored to be part of today's program and emphasized the importance of such events.

“The world needs us to come together so much,” Ross said. “We're not all going to agree and we're not all going to say the same thing at the same time, but we're here together.”

Nyisha Jones opened the show with a mime dance routine with her 10-year-old niece. In her third year with Get Down in T Town, she is grateful that the community gets to see the abundance of talent and diversity that Topeka has to offer.

“You just don't know what skills and things everyone has and shows and brings to the table because there are a lot of things you don't see tonight,” Jones said.

Although this year marked the fifth year of the event, it was the first time it was held at Evergy Plaza.

Organizers felt that downtown was the perfect place for the takeover, given the alcohol laws in place in some places and the great restaurants that keep popping up.

“It's about celebrating the city,” Hazim emphasized. “So use the city's resources to make that happen. There's nothing cooler, so we want to be part of it.”

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