Philadelphia Celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month with Events Throughout the City

PHILADELPHIA — Every June, Philadelphia joins cities and states across the country in celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM). The City’s Office of Immigrant Affairs helps organize local celebrations, which will include more than two dozen events in 2019.

Immigrant Heritage Month, which is now in its sixth year as a national effort, begins June 1. IHM is an opportunity for all residents to explore their own heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America. It is also an opportunity to highlight the important role of immigration in the U.S., and to recognize the many contributions immigrants have made to our country.

“Philadelphia is proud to be a Welcoming City that embraces immigrants and gladly welcomes them into our communities,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “We strive to be a place where people of all backgrounds feel safe and where they can envision themselves achieving the American Dream. It is more important now than ever before that we rally around our immigrant residents, not only to show our support, but to celebrate their contributions to this city and the nation.”

The Office of Immigrant Affairs works closely with FWD.us, a bipartisan political organization, on Philadelphia’s celebrations each year. For 2019, the Office of Immigrant Affairs is also partnering with the Office of LGBT Affairs and the Free Library of Philadelphia to explore intersectionality between Philadelphia’s immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, while also engaging broader audiences—regardless of how they identify.

“Immigrant Heritage Month is always an exciting time for our Office, and the city as a whole,” said Miriam Enriquez, Executive Director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs. “This year, IHM comes right on the tail of the overwhelming approval of a ballot question that will make the Office of Immigrant Affairs a permanent part of City government. Following that huge win, we are eager to join Philadelphians—immigrant and native-born—in celebrating the immigrants who make this city what it is. Philadelphia is powered by immigrants who keep our businesses running, our neighborhoods booming, and our culture thriving.”

In Philadelphia, IHM provides an opportunity to explore and celebrate our shared diversity. Throughout the month, local organizations and City agencies offer events and activities to showcase this diversity and celebrate all residents, including foreign-born Philadelphians. Events scheduled for Immigrant Heritage Month 2019 include:

Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (PHLAFF) Screening of “José” and “Impossible Me”
June 1 | 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
University of the Arts, Terra Hall, 211 South Broad Street

The Philadelphia Latino Film Festival is screening two films that explore queer identity in Latin America. These two film features are ticketed events, but PHLAFF also has a number of free offerings including all short films showcases. More information is available from the PHLAFF Film Guide.

Celebrate Immigrants: National Immigrant Heritage Month Kickoff
June 4 | 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
LOVE Park, 15th Street & JFK Boulevard

The Office of Immigrant Affairs and I Am An Immigrant campaign will kickoff Immigrant Heritage Month with an interactive art installation that proudly displays “I ❤️PHILLY.” The installation encourages participants to share their immigrant identity on the art by placing a flag of their identified heritage on the heart.

Philadelphia International Unity Cup Draw
June 7 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street

Participants in the 2019 Unity Cup will see which opponents they will play against in the group stages of this year’s tournament. More details will be provided by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation prior to the event.

USCIS Naturalization Ceremony
June 11 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, Montgomery Auditorium, 1901 Vine Street

An official naturalization ceremony for new U.S. citizens, performed by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Beyond Binaries and Borders: A Conversation and Workshop
June 15 | 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street

Co-sponsored by the Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Office of LGBT Affairs, the Free Library of Philadelphia, Asian Arts Initiative, and Friends, Peace, and Sanctuary. This panel discussion and bookmaking activity will explore how to build an intersectional analysis that addresses the connections between incarceration, immigrant detention, homophobia, and the global refugee crisis.

World Refugee Day
June 20 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Multiple Locations

Now entering its 18th year, World Refugee Day is an international event designed to raise awareness of the global refugee crisis, while honoring the strength, courage, and resilience of the growing number of people forced to flee their homes each year. To mark the event, the Philadelphia Regional Refugee Providers’ Collaborative member agencies will hold three Philadelphia World Refugee Day Block Parties in Northeast, South, and Southwest Philadelphia.

  • Northeast Philadelphia—Tarken Recreation Center (6250 Frontenac Street)
  • South Philadelphia—Mifflin Square Park (6th & Ritner Streets)
  • Southwest Philadelphia—Kingsessing Recreation Center (4901 Kingsessing Avenue)

To Belong: A Community Conversation
June 27 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Parkway Central Library, The Heim Center, 1901 Vine Street

In recognition of both Immigrant Heritage Month and Pride Month, gather for facilitated conversations that explore what it means to belong. The event is co-sponsored by the Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Office of LGBT Affairs, and the Free Library of Philadelphia.

To view a full list of events, visit the Immigrant Heritage Month event spotlight page on phila.gov.

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