Background

Cultural Jambalaya, a 501(c)(3) Minnesota-based nonprofit, is a volunteer-run organization that aims to promote understanding and respect for all people. Our videos use photography as creative teaching tools for educators in the classroom to broaden worldviews of students by illustrating our diverse cultural backgrounds.

Cultural Jambalaya was founded by Gail Shore, who has had the privilege of traveling internationally for nearly five decades. Gail’s self-funded, solo treks take her primarily to countries whose cultures are influenced by their unique traditions, including their religions. For years, she has felt an urgency to explore places whose fragile, native cultures and environments are in jeopardy. As Gail explores these regions, she spends time with local people, samples their daily lifestyle and participates in their rich traditions. She wants others to learn something about other people and places they might not have known.

We believe the more we know about each other’s history, culture and religion, the more understanding we can become of our differences.