National Welcoming Week, September 2017
The momentum in local communities is real! This annual event is a week when communities across the country and across Nebraska bring together immigrants, refugees, and native-born residents to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. We invite you to join in one of these events or create your own!
The Quilted Conscience film screening – September 14, Crete
7:00pm, Heckman Auditorium, Doane University Campus, 1014 Boswell Ave., Crete, NE
The Quilted Conscience is a documentary on the welcoming of cultural diversity in the city of Grand Island, Nebraska. The film portrays a remarkable bond formed between a group of 16 Sudanese-American girls and a local quilter’s guild, coming together in creating something spectacular. Master quilt maker Peggy Hartwell helps to “stitch” these two groups together in creating a quilt, depicting the girl’s memories of Africa and their dreams of America. Since the documentary, numerous “memories and dreams” quilts have been made in communities across Nebraska together with immigrant youth, local schools, and local quilters. The Quilted Conscience shows the incredible experience of two different groups of women, coming together and understanding that they have more similarities than differences through the work in their hands.
A panel discussion with Susan Hertzler and Christa Yoakum will follow the film screening. Susan has participated in the creation of two quilts with immigrant and refugee high school students in Omaha Public Schools. Christa is coordinator of Nebraska Is Home, working with community members across the state to help create inclusive communities.
September 13, Omaha, 7:00 PM, Aksarben Theater, Omaha
September 14, Lincoln, 7:00 PM, Mary Riepma Ross Theater, Lincoln
September 19, Omaha, 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Urban Abbey, 1026 Jackson, Omaha, NE
September 20, Schuyler, 7:00 PM, Colfax Theater, Schuyler
Seeds of Hope – a documentary project of Nebraska Loves Public Schools – explores how schools welcome and educate immigrant and refugee families as they start their lives over in America. Follow Nebraska’s newcomer students: the inconceivable trauma of their past, the perseverance to succeed in the present, and their hopes for a bright future through quality education. A panel discussion will be hosted by Nebraska Loves Public Schools following the each of the screenings.
The Urban Abbey event on Sept. 19 is in partnership Nebraska Loves Public Schools, Nebraska Appleseed, and Urban Abbey. All September, 10% of Urban Abbey’s coffee bar sales will be generously donated to Nebraska Appleseed as part of Urban Abbey’s long-standing commitment to serve and make a difference in the Omaha community.
Fiesta On The Green, – September 14, Lincoln
5:00 – 9:00 PM, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, plaza north of the Student Union, Lincoln
This Hispanic Heritage Month event, which is free and open to the public, will feature music, dance, food and vendors that celebrate Latin culture. Share Welcoming messages at the Nebraska Is Home booth!
One Community: Stories of Refugee Life – September 16, Omaha
10:00 – 11:30 AM, Omaha South Public Library, 2808 Q Street, Omaha, NE
Our communities are strongest when neighbors get to know neighbors. Here’s a chance to learn how some new Omaha neighbors came to make Omaha their home. What’s it like to be a refugee? How does it feel to have to leave your home? A panel of refugee Nebraskans will be on hand to speak about their experiences, followed by an opportunity for audience members to ask questions.
United by Culture – September 17, Lexington
4:00 – 8:00 PM, Kirkpatrick Park (intersection of East 11th and North Monroe Street), Lexington, NE
Music! Artists! Children’s activities! The United by Culture Festival is being planned by seven professional Latina women who know the importance of community in Lexington. Lexington has so much to offer as the third-most diverse city in Nebraska. Lexington is a welcoming community with a positive view of newcomers. Let’s come together and celebrate the rich diversity that we have, let’s learn about the cultures we have here at our doorstep. We have the opportunity to show unity in our community and welcome you to be a part of it!
Taste of 27th Street III September 21st, Lincoln
6:00 – 8:00 PM, Ajora Falls Ethiopian Restaurant, 313 N. 27th St., Lincoln, NE
Enjoy a dinner tasting of two locations on Thursday, September 21, as you dine at Ajora Falls Ethiopian Restaurant and end with dessert next door at Turkish Sweets, experiencing the special cuisines at each location. The tour begins promptly at 6pm. Reservations are limited to 30 participants. Tickets are $20/person. New this time: A special presentation from the Midwestern African Museum of Art!
Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-taste-of-n-27th-iii-tickets-3482845584
Blue Shirt Solidarity Day, September 23, Hastings
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Heartwell Park, Hastings, NE
In support of our young people, we ask you to wear a blue shirt. As a group, we will walk around the park to show our solidarity and commitment to an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome. Please bring signs that highlight the importance of Dreamers in a positive manner. Then we will gather to share food and information.
Spread the word on your social media. All week, statewide!
Download I am a Welcomer signs and share your photos! Invite your friends to be Welcomers too! Choose the language you wish to use to Welcome!