How to celebrate National Welcoming Week in Charlotte
National Welcoming Week is September 16-25, 2016. Welcoming America is a national movement to raise awareness about the immigrant and refugee experience. The aim is to change the relationship that Americans have with immigrants and refugees by uniting groups and creating space for positive discussions. Welcoming America is quickly spreading across the U.S. Currently, 70 local governments and 42 non-profit agencies participate in Welcoming Week.
For the third year, the City of Charlotte’s Office of International Relations is leading the effort locally by encouraging organizations to host events. Churches, universities, agencies and other local groups have responded by planning educational, cultural and celebratory events during the 10 days.
Emily Yaffe with the Office of International Relations said, “I am hopeful that Charlotte residents will participate in Welcoming Week events and find them to be a fun and interesting way to connect to other cultures in Charlotte, get to know new people, and become an active part in making Charlotte a welcoming city for everyone.”
More than 10 events are planned during Charlotte’s Welcoming Week. Events are open to the public with free admission. Check out the website for a complete schedule and detailed information.
Here are several featured events:
La Celebración Del Espiritú
Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
LaCa Projects, 1429 Bryant St.
Join LaCa Projects and the Latin American Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.
National Citizenship Mega Naturalization Workshop
Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
United Methodist Church, 6030 Albemarle Road
In honor of National Citizenship Day, the Latin American Coalition is hosting a Mega Naturalization Workshop. There is space for 125 people who are Legal Permanent Residents that have met all the requirements to naturalize.
ourBRIDGE Open House & International Potluck
Sept. 18, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
ourBRIDGE Center, 1350 Central Aven.
Celebrate Welcoming Week with the families of over 70 refugee and immigrant children. Enjoy a traditional international potluck and Open House while learning about ourBRIDGE for KIDS after school and summer programs.
Screening @Levine: This is My Home Now
Sept. 19, 6:30-9 p.m.
Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E 7th St.
View the half-hour film, “This is my Home Now.” The film documents the lives of four Montagnard youths whose families have come to America in the past decade from Asia.
Global Spotlight Speaker Series
Sept. 20, 2016, 7-8:30 p.m.
Charlotte Latin School, 9502 Providence Road
The Magellan Society and Charlotte Latin School is hosting a panel. Panelists Mark Moore, MANA Nutrition; Dr. Tamara Johnson, UNC Charlotte; and Oliver Merino, Levine Museum, will discuss how they are working to make Charlotte a global city.
American Council on Germany McCloy Leadership Mission on Urban Affairs and Sustainability
Sept. 21, 4:30-7 p.m.
Carolina Inn, Davidson College, 225 N. Main St., Davidson
The American Council on Germany’s McCloy Leadership Mission on Urban Affairs and Sustainability is a key example of the special German-U.S. transatlantic relationship.
Naturalization Ceremony
Sept. 21, 5-7:15 p.m.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 East 4th Street
The Office of International Relations will host a Naturalization Ceremony in the Chamber room of the Government Center during Welcoming Week.
Fruitful Friends Training
Sept. 22, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Galilee Center, 3601 Central Ave.
The Fruitful Friendship pairs Charlotte families/individuals with refugees to build relationships. It is a way for volunteers to learn about another culture and help a new resident adjust to life in our city.
UNC Charlotte International Festival
Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
UNC Charlotte Main Campus, 9201 University City Blvd.
The UNC Charlotte International Festival is a celebration of people, places and culture. More than 50 nations are represented in exhibition booths arranged in a colorful marketplace style.
Photos: Wade Bruton, National Welcoming Week, City of Charlotte
This story was originally published September 12, 2016 at 11:00 PM with the headline "How to celebrate National Welcoming Week in Charlotte."