Each year, June marks a time to celebrate the impact of immigrants to American society, honoring rich cultural heritage, economic contributions, and deep-seated resilience. A proclamation issued by Atlanta City Council honored June as Immigrant Heritage Month in the City of Atlanta, and the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs (MOIIA) coordinated celebratory events, which focused on education, cultural awareness, storytelling, and more.
A trip ‘Around the World’ with our summer camp friends
At MOIIA’s “Around the World” celebration hosted at C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center, 70 campers from the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Camp Best Friends participated in educational and cultural activities, introducing them to traditions from 7 different countries whose immigrants make up our city.
Seven- and eight-year-old campers played Mexican lotería (a colorful game similar to American Bingo featuring everyday objects), jumped rope like children in Honduras, and discovered Korean gongginori, a traditional children’s game dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. At other stations, campers identified traditional Ghanian dishes like waakye, redred, and kelewele, touched real Chinese yuan, learned about the island of Cuba, and danced the Dominican Republic’s merengue. Through these interactive activities, MOIIA sought to educate campers about Atlanta’s immigrant community and the different places they come from. Each station presented a unique cultural experience, exposing campers to the many things they have in common with children from all over the world and inspiring a love and appreciation for Atlanta’s diversity.
The world at your doorstep
In northeast Atlanta, MOIIA hosted an Immigrant Heritage Fair, partnering with over two dozen external partners to share culture and promote resources to over 250 community members. 14 international consulates and organizations joined the event, showcasing food, music, and more, while resource partners offered information on upcoming programming and services. As community members visited with each of the organizations, they explored art from Barbados, tried their hand at trivia about Germany, participated in a community art project with Mexico, and tasted Peruvian ají de gallina. Adults and children alike enjoyed spending time in community, getting to know their neighbors, and exploring the cultural diversity that makes up our city.
An evening of storytelling
To close out the month, MOIIA co-partnered with the Collective for Community Empowerment and its partner organizations, the Hispanic Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE) and the Atlanta chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP), to host a panel titled, “From Arrival to Impact: Immigrant Voices Shaping Atlanta.”
The panel featured 4 local leaders who shared their journey as immigrants and how they advocate for and serve Atlanta’s diverse communities. Local businesses Lao Szechuan and Kamayan ATL provided light bites, and the evening celebrated unity, solidarity, and understanding.
Opportunity for all
From City Hall and beyond, the City of Atlanta is working to make Atlanta a safer, more welcoming place for all- including our immigrant neighbors. Through storytelling, education, resource access, and more, we are building a more connected, inclusive community where everyone can feel like they belong, regardless of where they’re from.
