In July, IIA welcomed 57 refugees to Akron from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burma, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Venezuela. It’s been a busy yet rewarding month, and we look forward to sharing more about what IIA has been up to, upcoming events in the community, how to get involved, and more!
Bhutanese Community Association of Akron Inc. Presents
A creative campaign on mental health awareness and identity crisis
The Bhutanese Community Association of Akron has coordinated a musical theater production titled Hitlor to symbolize the destructive nature of dictatorship, which the Bhutanese Nepali-speaking community, like many immigrant and displaced communities, can empathize with. The production follows the true story of a multi-generational Bhutanese Nepali-speaking family in the United States. The story shares themes of mental health in the immigrant community and finding identity in a new country. The family-friendly show will be hosted at Tallmadge High School Theater (140 N. Munroe Road, Tallmadge, OH 44276) between August 23 and 29. Tickets are pay what you can at $30, $50, or $100, and can be purchased at the venue. More information provided by the BCAA can be found below:
“In Akron, which is home to a significant Nepali diaspora and Nepali-speaking Bhutanese community, many individuals are grappling with identity crises and mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, suicide, drug abuse, and lack of understanding of US law and order. With a vision to tackle these urgent matters uniquely and creatively, we have collaborated with renowned experts from South Asia. These experts bring extensive experience working with similar communities and have achieved transformative impacts. Over the past two years, they have been deeply involved with our community and are now prepared to extend their efforts locally through a transformative Theatre Production (Musical Dark Comedy Drama: written by Joes Pandey & Bimal Subedi, and directed by Bimal Subedi). This production aims to raise awareness through a creative approach and ignite a long-term campaign addressing mental health issues within our society.”
July Recommendation Corner
Minari
This month's IIA recommendation corner will spotlight the 2020 film Minari. The film tells the story of a Korean multi-generation immigrant family who moved to Arkansas in the 1980s in search of their American Dream.
Throughout the film, they face a series of challenges and struggles in their new life in the United States. What this family really finds is the importance of family and being together.
This movie has received many awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It has also been cited as one of the best movies of the 2020s and 21st century. You can stream Minari on Max or rent the film on Prime or AppleTV.
Upcoming Events in Akron
Akron Pride Festival: Akron’s annual Pride Festival will be held on Saturday, August 24th, from 10am to 10pm in Downtown Akron. Enjoy local and national entertainers, exhibitors, an interactive children's area, food trucks and so much more! Be sure to catch the IIA team in the Akron Pride Equity March at 10am sharp! Learn more details at: https://www.akronpridefestival.org/home
Get Involved
Intern: IIA is currently seeking to fill multiple internship positions, including Communications Intern and Law Clerk Intern. If you are interested in applying or learning more, please visit https://www.iiakron.org/join-our-team.
Hiring: IIA is currently seeking interpreters for our Interpreter and Translation Services Department. To learn more about or to apply, please visit https://www.iiakron.org/join-our-team.
Donations: IIA is always looking for new or lightly used household items to assist with the housing needs of newly arrived refugees. You can find an updated list of current goods needed at https://www.iiakron.org/donation-room. If you are interested in donating new or lightly used household items, please contact Murtaza.hajizada@iiakron.org
Thanks for staying up to date on everything IIA, and we look forward to sharing more information soon!