Mayor Walsh proclaims 'Immigrant Heritage Month' in the City of Boston

The effort is part of a nationwide initiative organized by Welcome.us to gather and share inspirational stories of immigration in America. Welcome.us is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating a United States that is fueled by immigrants from around the world.  

 “Generations of immigrants from every corner of the world, including my own parents, have made Boston their home. And it is this diversity that make us a unique city,” said Mayor Walsh. “We are a welcoming city, and I want all our immigrants to know that they don’t have to leave their cultures behind to become American in Boston.”  

As part of a month-long celebration honoring the role immigrants continue to play in our city, the Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians in partnership with Welcome.us and various community organizations are hosting two events to encourage residents to share their inspirational stories. The events schedule is as follows:  

Immigrant Heritage Celebration

Saturday, June 21, 2014, 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM | Boston Public Library, Central Library Launch of the first-ever Immigrant Heritage Month in the City of Boston. Come for live music, fun activities and enjoy the exhibit “City of Neighborhoods: The Changing Face of Boston.”

Screening of “Documented: A Film by an Undocumented American”

Tuesday, June 24, 2014, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Boston Public Library, Central Library Special one night screening of the critically-acclaimed DOCUMENTED, a biographical film that explores the personal journey of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Jose Antonio Vargas. The film will be followed by a panel and Q&A discussion with writer/director and guests.

 “We are thrilled that elected leaders across the U.S. have recognized the importance of Immigrant Heritage Month,” said Tolu Olubunmi, executive director of Welcome.us. “America is a great nation with a rich culture because of the unique experiences each of us has had. Immigrant Heritage Month is a time to celebrate that diversity and to honor the experiences that unite us. We are proud to be joined in this effort by Americans from all walks of life including elected officials, celebrities, business leaders and influential social organizations that will help carry our message forward.”  

Throughout the month, the Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians and Welcome.us are encouraging citizens to share their immigration stories through social media and the Welcome.us website. Residents can help celebrate the month by sharing their stories using the hashtag #welcomeus on social media streams, including: Facebook: www.facebook.com/newbostonians, www.facebook.com/welcomeus; Twitter: @NewBostonians, @Welcome_us; and YouTube: www.youtube.com/WelcomeIHM.