1st Annual Immigrant Heritage Month _ The Global Philadelphia Association and Welcome.us

 The Global Philadelphia Association announced its support of the first-ever Immigrant Heritage Month by partnering with the non-profit Welcome.us initiative working to gather and share inspirational stories of American immigrants. Through this partnership to promote Immigrant Heritage Month, both GPA and Welcome.us recognize and celebrate the value of immigrants in our Nation and in Philadelphia region. Mayor Michael Nutter is an honorary board member of Welcome.us among celebrities, athletes, faith, civic, and other political leaders.

Immigrant Heritage Month focuses on four themes:
• Telling the story of American immigrant ancestry
• Highlighting immigrant contributions to the economy and culture
• Celebrating modern immigrant families
• Honoring immigrants who serve our Nation in the armed forces and through civil service.

Several members of the Global Philadelphia Association are involved in celebrating immigrants to the United States. GPA members sponsoring events for Immigrant Heritage Month include: the City of Philadelphia, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs, the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Philadelphia and AL DÍA News Media.

The following events will celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month in Philadelphia:

• Sugar Cane Festival: Sponsored by the Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha for Everyone and PECO, this event will feature performances, free health screenings, a children’s area, and giveaways. June 7 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at 5th & Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA. Visit http://ow.ly/xHIqX for more information.

• ODUNDE Festival- Experience the longest-running and largest African-American street festival in the U.S. June 8, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. 23rd & South Street. http://ow.ly/xHICb

• Panel: The Challenges and Opportunities of Global Mobility: Hosted by the Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, panelists speak about navigating challenges unique to expatriates. June 11. Registration, Breakfast, and Networking from 8:00-8:45 a.m and Program & Panel Discussion from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Hyatt at the Bellevue, 200 South Broad St., Philadelphia, PA. Register at http://ow.ly/xFRLi

• World Refugee Day Press Conference & Roundtable Discussion: Join the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Refugee Resettlement Service Provider Collaborative for a roundtable discussion celebrating Philadelphia’s refugees. June 13, 2014 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Mayor's Reception Room, 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA. RSVP at http://ow.ly/xHIH5 by June 13 at 1 p.m.

• Worldtown Festival: This is a free, all-day family event at The Piazza at Schmidts to kick off the FIFA World Cup. Come celebrate and enjoy live screenings of the World Cup, food vendors, dance and craft workshops, and Worldtown bazaar. Proceeds from this event will benefit local organizations that support families and youth. http://ow.ly/xFSdK

• Philadelphia Caribbean Carnival: Presented by International Caribbean Cultural Foundation, this event at Fairmont Park celebrates West Indian culture, music, and art. June 14, 12:00-8:00 p.m. http://ow.ly/xFSBc

• Choosing Philadelphia: What Attracts Immigrant Newcomers: Join GPA Members AL DÍA News Media and The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians for a discussion about the Philadelphia region’s strategy for attracting and retaining international talent. June 18, 8:30-10:00 a.m. RSVP at http://ow.ly/xHITk

• World Refugee Day Celebration: Hosted by MOIMA and Philadelphia Refugee Health Collaborative, come celebrate World Refugee Day. June 21, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Northeast High School. http://ow.ly/xHJ0o
To find out more about Immigrant Heritage Month visit: www.welcome.us

Contact Person: [email protected]
The Global Philadelphia Association is a Pennsylvania nonprofit, 501(c)(3)-certified organization. Founded by nine institutions in 2010, it has grown to over 120 members today. Its mission is to assist – and encourage greater interaction among – the many organizations and people who are engaged in one form or another of international activity within the Greater Philadelphia Region, to promote the development of an international consciousness within the Region, and to enhance the Region’s global profile. Learn more at globalphiladelphia.org - Twitter: @GlobalPhila