From September 12-21, 2025, the City of Atlanta celebrated Welcoming Week, an international initiative that celebrates connection, inclusion, and the differences that make us stronger.
The Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs launched the “Stories We Share” campaign, which amplified the voices of employees across 13 City of Atlanta departments and offices. In partnership with the Department of Human Resources, 18 City of Atlanta employees participated, representing 17 countries from around the world.
Each participant shared meaningful traditions, dishes, and holidays that are unique to the country they or their families are from, including Ivory Coast’s vibrant kente fabric, the Bahamas’ lively Junkanoo festival, and the Filipino value of Bayanihan, which “means coming together to help others without expecting anything in return,” as the Office of the Chief Strategy Officer’s Lillie Madali tells us.
Some participants highlighted the linguistic and cultural diversity within their home countries: South Africa’s 11 official languages, China’s 56 ethnic groups, and the indigenous heritage of Aymara and Quechua communities in Bolivia. In addition, many highlighted the ways Atlanta has made them feel like home. From Atlanta’s annual Caribbean Carnival to taking the time to learn how to pronounce someone’s name, participants expressed the many ways their experiences have fused cultures and given them a deep appreciation for welcoming diversity.
Participants described what welcoming means to them, including the Department of City Planning’s Carlos Garcia, who notes that “Welcoming means taking intentional actions to acknowledge others around you in ways that respect their individuality, culture, and existence, and actively creating an environment where individuals feel valued.” View the full “Stories We Share” campaign here.
Welcoming Week Community Events
In addition to the “Stories We Share” campaign, the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs hosted a number of events throughout the week to engage community members.
The City of Atlanta’s 2nd Passport Services Day served 106 City of Atlanta employees and their families with first-time passport applications and renewals, in partnership with the Atlanta Passport Agency and the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services.
In a special ceremony honoring heritage, history, and hope, the Mayor’s Office joined the Consulate General of Mexico to recognize the 215th Anniversary of Mexican Independence at City Hall. The night kicked off Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month and featured remarks from Mayor Andre Dickens and Consul General Rafael Laveaga. Read more on this annual celebration here.
Throughout the week, the Mayor’s Office also participated in external events hosted by community partners, including the King Center’s Beloved Community International Expo and the Carl E. Sanders YMCA’s World Cultural Fair. These events celebrated culture, diversity, and a future where everyone belongs.
The City of Atlanta’s Welcoming Week initiatives embody a bold vision for our collective future, one built on hope, inclusion, and belonging.
