In this month’s newsletter, we’re delighted to share IIA updates, including the exciting achievements of the Dora Gordon scholarship winner and the wonderful cultural exchanges we’ve been sharing within our community. We also bring you news on the U.S.-Mexico border wall and the ongoing challenges faced by migrants, as well as a call to action for immigration reform. Additionally, as we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month, we’ve gathered valuable resources to promote understanding and appreciation of Native American and Indigenous history. Lastly, don’t miss our recommendations for upcoming Akron events and ways you can get involved in supporting IIA and newly arrived refugees.
October at the Institute
This past month, IIA welcomed 33 refugees to Akron from Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burma. We’re thrilled to be the bridge that connects our new neighbors to their communities and provide services to help refugees integrate into life in Akron.
In September, we also congratulated our 2023 Dora Gordon Scholarship winter, Abdallah Ndume! Abdallah was born and raised in Tanzania before coming to the United States with his family as a refugee. He currently studies Sales Management at the University of Akron and looks forward to using the Dora Gordon Scholarship to help him with his higher education expenses.
This month, we hosted a Cultural Orientation for newly arrived refugees, and IIA’s Community Support Specialist, Seena Al-Attabi, cooked a Middle Eastern feast for lunch. For many clients, this was their first time trying Middle Eastern food, and it did not disappoint.
Thank you, Seena, for sharing your culture with IIA and our clients!
In the News: Mexico-United States Border Wall
Although pledging not to expand the U.S.-Mexico border wall, the Biden administration announced on Thursday, October 5th, that it would build an additional 20 miles of border in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. This is due to Congress-appropriated funding to continue the expansion back in 2019.
Migrants often come to the United States in order to secure a better and safer life for themselves and their families as they flee poverty and violence in their home communities. Many attempt a dangerous journey across Mexico to reach the border, often in unsafe locations, such as rivers or heat-stricken land, where many are at risk of getting sick or dying.
The border wall presents a new risk to migrants trying to reach the United States. Dozens of migrants have been killed and hospitalized after falling from the structure. The wall also forces migrants to go to more remote desert areas, leading to more deaths from heat stroke. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported 568 migrant deaths along the border in 2021, double that of deaths recorded in 2020.
In lieu of a border wall that puts people’s lives at risk, we must support humane policies and immigration reform that protect and improve existing legal immigration avenues, prioritize safe and sensible border security that offers protection to those seeking a better life in the United States, and provide pathways to citizenships for the 11 million undocumented people living in the U.S.
Call your local Congressperson to advocate for an immigration report. Consider using the following script to help you get started:
“Hi my name is ___________, and I’m a constituent from [hometown]. I’m calling today to ask [Representative/Senator ___________] to support humane, comprehensive immigration reform, which includes a pathway to citizenship for all 11 million people in our country without documentation. I’d like to hear back from [Representative/Senator ___________] on how he/she plans to pass meaningful immigration reform. My name is _____________, and my address is [hometown address]. Thank you."
Recommendation Corner: National Native American Heritage Month
In honor of November being National Native American Heritage Month, we would like to highlight some important resources that emphasize the importance of Native American and Indigenous history in the United States.
Matika Wilbur and Dr. Adrienne Keene provide information, have in-depth conversations with experts, and share personal experiences as Native Americans in their podcast “All My Relations Podcast.” Together, they tackle subjects such as Indigenous feminism, the harm caused by Native American caricatures in popular media, queer experiences in indigenous cultures, and family values and how they vary among different Native American people groups.
Sharing the experiences and history of Native American people from a personal perspective is a great way to educate listeners more directly about different Native American people groups. All My Relations comes from the Lakota phrase Mitákuye Oyás'iŋ, which represents interconnectedness and environmental harmony within Lakota and Sioux communities.
You can find the “All My Relations Podcast” streaming on all podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Click on the image below to listen to the podcast.
Stereotypes are very common among Native American and Indigenous communities. Like other racial and ethnic groups, it is important to dispel these stereotypes to prevent misconceptions and organized hatred toward these groups of people. Teen Vogue put out a short video on their website in 2016 about specific Native American stereotypes and the truth behind them from the direct perspective of multiple Native American women. This video is light-hearted and educational; click here to view the video.
For more articles, resources, and events regarding Native American Heritage Month, visit nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov
Upcoming Akron Events
Global Entertainment Expo by Shanti Community Farms: Join Shanti Community Farms at Summit Art Space on Friday, November 3rd, for the Global Entertainment Expo (GEE)!
From jaw-dropping performances to mind-blowing educational seminars, fashion shows, and a food fiesta, GEE promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Discover the latest trends in international dance, music, and song! With a lineup of renowned artists, industry experts, and influencers, GEE offers a unique opportunity to connect with your favorite entertainers and gain insights into their creative processes.
Learn more and get your tickets at: https://www.summitartspace.org/event/gee/
Exhibition Celebration: RETOLD: African American Art & Folklore: Thursday, November 9th, head to the Akron Art Museum and explore the new exhibition curated by Dr. Tameka Ellington during an evening of activities, including a talk by Curlee Raven Holton at 6pm, tours of the galleries, and a performance by local dancers.
Learn more about the new exhibition at: https://akronartmuseum.org/media/exhibition/retold-african-american-art-and-folklore/
Register for the exhibition celebration at: https://akronartmuseum.org/media/events/exhibition-celebration-retold-african-american-art-folklore/
Hugs’n Gloves: The North Hill Branch Library (183 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave.) will be hosting its annual Hugs’n Gloves event on Saturday, November 18th, from 10am-2pm. Students grades K-5 living in North Hill will receive free hats, gloves, books, gift cards, and snacks! Please register by phone (330-535-9423) or in person at the North Hill Branch Library by November 16, 2023 to attend.
How to Get Involved
We are currently seeking for donations to support our efforts in assisting refugees and immigrants in integrating into their new communities.
If you or an organization you know can donate anything on the list of needs below, please contact jasmine.curley@iiakron.org.
Current Needs:
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Shaving cream
Pillows
Combs and hairbrushes
Washcloths and bath towels
Bath mats
Mops and brooms
Bed sheets (all sizes, but especially twin)
Blankets
Soap
Shampoo and conditioner
Thanks for staying up to date on everything IIA, and we look forward to sharing more information soon!
