July Newsletter
July Newsletter
On June 30th, Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs (MIMA) was honored at the White House for its efforts in creating a welcoming environment for immigrants and refugees. Baltimore’s recognition is part of the “Building Welcoming Communities Campaign,” a partnership of The White House Task Force on New Americans, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Welcoming America, a national technical assistance provider that encourages and supports communities to engage in local immigrant integration efforts.
Baltimore City was also featured in the report Bright Spots in Welcoming Communities and Integration, a report by the White House Task Force on New Americans highlighting immigrant integration efforts from nearly 33 cities and counties.
Call for Presentations!
MIMA is partnering with Towson University to host the 8th Baltimore Immigration Summit, themed “Stand Up, Be Heard, Get Involved” scheduled for Friday, September 30, 2016 at Towson University (save the date). The Summit is a one-day free event which brings together, academics, government, service providers, activists, community leaders, and other stakeholders working with immigrant communities in the Baltimore region.
Organizations or individuals interested in participating as presenters should submit proposals to immigrationsummit@towson.edu by August 15, 2016. Please visit the Immigration Summit Website for instructions and further information. Registration will be opening soon.
MIMA en Español
On a monthly basis, in partnership with Mundo Latino, MIMA provides vital information on city services in Spanish. Check out this month’s topic: “What to do when a Police Officer stops you?”
Todos los meses MIMA provee información acerca de un servicio ofrecido por la ciudad en conjunto con el periódico Mundo Latino. No te pierdas el tema de este mes: “¿Que hacer cuando la Policía Detiene mientras conduce?”
Snapshot of Our Community: IRIS: Baltimore’s Latino LGTBQ Group.
A new and much-needed group has formed to support Baltimore’s Latino LGTBQ community. This group, IRIS (representing Individuality, Respect, Integrity and Sexuality, as well as the Spanish translation, arcoiris, of the word rainbow) began informally in October with Latino LGBTQ leaders sharing experiences and the need for community at a potluck.
Led by Daniel Carbo, Lilian Amaya and Alfredo Santiago, the group now meets the third Friday of every month at Adelante Familia and provides social interaction, community and information about LGTBQ-friendly services. The current function of the group is to provide the community with a safe place to speak about the impact of various issues facing LGBTQ Latinos, including workplace discrimination, immigration, culture, homelessness, self-acceptance, mental health and intimate partner violence.
IRIS looks forward to working with public and private stakeholders to develop partnership opportunities. To learn more or refer a client, please contact Lilian Amaya at 410-241-9824 or at lamaya@hruthmd.org.
The founding members of IRIS at their first community forum.
Partner Spotlight: Friends of Patterson Park
In celebration of National Parks and Recreation Month, MIMA is featuring the Friends of Patterson Park in July’s newsletter. The Friends is a non-profit membership organization formed in 1998 out of the belief that a well-used and well-tended park contributes to the health and vitality of the diverse communities who call Patterson Park ‘the Best Backyard in Baltimore.’
Their services include free youth, adult and family programs, events, park stewardship volunteer activities and community outreach. Most recently, the Friends organized the 6th annual Día del Niño (Kids’ Day), which is a joyous day of piñata breaking, book giveaways, face painting, arts and crafts, sports, games, folkloric dance, theatrical performances, food, music, and more. Hosted by the Latino community for the Baltimore community at large and coordinated with more than 20 partners, Día del Niño and the planning process is a shining example of intercultural celebration, community collaboration, and youth appreciation in Baltimore. To partner with the Friends or learn more, please contact Katie Long, Program Director and Hispanic Liaison at Katie@pattersonpark.com or at 410-276-3676.
National Happenings: Open Letter to the Next President: Mayors call for Immigration Reform
On July 26th, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake joined municipal leaders from across the country in support of immigrant communities and to urge leaders from both Democratic and Republican parties to commit to supporting immigration reform, including a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants within the first 100 days of the next Presidency. Read more
Hispanic Commission
The Baltimore City Hispanic Commission presents the 2016 Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Awards to honor members of Baltimore City's Hispanic community who have made outstanding contributions toward improving the community's quality of life.
Each contest winner and a guest will be invited to join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake at a special reception for the 10th annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.
To submit your nomination, fill out the online form. Nomination forms MUST BE RECEIVED no later than Friday, August 26, 2016.
For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs (MIMA) by telephone at 410-396-8056 or email at hispanic.commission@baltimorecity.gov.
Calendar of Events
Sanctuary: Home, Identity and Collective Visions of Community. Artwork by Local Refugee Youth with Community Artist Ben Hamburger
June 2016-August 2016 (Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm)
Baltimore City Hall North Gallery (100 Holiday St. 21202)
Made possible by Baltimore City Community College’s Refugee Youth Project, this unique showcase features artwork by local refugee youth and an interactive art display. *Important: Adults must have photo identification to enter City Hall. More information.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum- Heart and Seoul Growing up in Korea
June 4- September 5
35 Market Place
Five modern-day Korean kids open their hearts and invite you to take an intimate look into their lives through their diverse interests, customs, and ambitions in this exhibit. More Information
Indigo Magic: Curated by Kibibi Ajanku
May 31, 2016-July 31, 2016 (Closing reception July 28, 2016, 6- 9 pm)
Frederick Douglass-Isaac Meyers Maritime Park, 1417 Thames Street
Attend this exhibition and immerse yourself in an exhibition that uses indigo as a lens to view, witness and contemplate the ways that indigenous African traditions, including those from the Tuareg people of Mali and Northern Senegal or the Yoruba of Nigeria, show up in contemporary African American art forms. More information.
Galerie Myrtis Fine Arts and Advisory- To Be Black in White America
June 25- July 30
2224 N. Charles Street
To Be Black in White America explores the politicization of the Black Identity in the United States. From legalized slavery to the most recent, hateful things that Donald Trump said, a minority of Americans have been desperately and diligently fighting against a White power structure for equality throughout the nation’s relatively short history. More Information
American Visionary Art Museum- Flicks From The Hill: Life is Beautiful
Thursdays in July and August at 9 pm
800 Key Hwy
Grab a blanket, picnic under the stars, and watch a great film selection inspired by AVAM's current exhibition, “The Big Hope Show." The Hughes Family Outdoor Theater features seating for more than a thousand on the natural amphitheater formed by Federal Hill. More Information
Baltimore Museum of Art- Kimono & Obi: Romantic Echoes from Japan's Golden Age
From July 10, 2016 — January 15, 2017
10 Art Museum Drive
The BMA presents an exquisite selection of late 19th- and mid-20th century kimonos and obis that have never been shown before. Obis are wide sashes wrapped around the kimono wearer's waist and tied in an ornate knot at the back. More Information
Baltimore Museum of Art- Family Free Sundays
Every Sunday from July 17- August 28
10 Art Museum Drive
Join us every Sunday for activities the entire family can enjoy. Explore your creative side with active hands-on art-making workshops in response to works on view. More Information
Creative Alliance’s Rainbow Fest
July 28- July 30
Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Avenue
Participate in the 5th anniversary of the growing LGBTQA Film Festival with thoughtfully curated films, dazzling performances, happy hours, and more! More information.
Baltimore Convention Center- National Urban League Conference
August 3-August 6
1 W. Pratt St.
Each year, the National Urban League convenes its leadership, members, and partners at an Annual Conference to participate in discussions around the state of the organization and urban America. The Greater Baltimore Urban League has been selected as the affiliate host of the 2016 National Urban League Conference. This week-long event will feature exhibits, a career fair, several top-tier keynote speakers, and a number of networking events. More Information
Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City featured in an exhibit at the Japanese Embassy
August 8- August 19
1150 18th Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC
“Take To-Ro: Bridge of Lights,” a large-scale artwork created by a group of young artists in Baltimore and members of the Baltimore-Kawasaki Sister City Committee, will be featured in a special exhibit at the Embassy of Japan in Washington DC during August. More Information
Esperanza Center- School Physical Exams & Vaccinations
August 15th 9 am-3 pm
430 S. Broadway
Children must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. Please bring immunization records and all school paperwork. This is only for children without medical insurance born outside of the United States. NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED.
FIT BEFORE FLICKS: Yoga with Baltimore YogaWorks FIT BEFORE FLICKS: Yoga with Baltimore YogaWorks FIT BEFORE FLICKS: Yoga with Baltimore YogaWorks FIT BEFORE FLICKS: Yoga with Baltimore YogaWorks FIT BEFORE FLICKS: Yoga with Baltimore YogaWorks
Little Italy- Feast of Saint Gabriel Italian Festival
August 20- August 21
Little Italy Baltimore
Indeed it was from Italy that the neighborhood’s original families derived – immigrants who moved into this small Baltimore district during the 20th century to remain banded together in their new home, America. Generations later, many of Little Italy’s long skinny row homes are still owned by their families. More Information
American Visionary Art Museum American Visionary Art MuseumFIT BEFORE FLICKS: Yoga with Baltimore YogaWorks FIT BEFORE FLICKS: Yoga with Baltimore YogaWorksAmerican Visionary Art MuseumAmerican Visionary Art MuseumFIT BEFORE FLICKS: Yoga with Baltimore YogaWorks
Baltimore Summer Antiques Show
August 25- August 28
Baltimore Convention Center 1 W. Pratt St.
Founded in 1980, the show has drastically grown from a small regional event to become the largest indoor antique show in the country featuring hundreds of international exhibitors. The Baltimore Art, Antique & Jewelry Show has not only evolved in size but in the diversity of collections including furniture, American and European silver, major works of art, Asian antiquities, porcelain, Americana, antique and estate jewelry, glass, textiles, and more.
American Visionary Art Museum More Information
IRIS Baltimore (Individualidad. Respeto. Integridad. Sexualidad.)
Cada tercer Viernes del mes
6pm-8pm
Adelante Familia, 3734 Eastern Avenue
Un groupo mensual del apoyo para la comunidad Latino LGBT en Baltimore. Contacto: somosirisbaltimore@gmail.com.
IRIS Baltimore (Individuality. Respect. Integrity. Sexuality.)
Every third Friday of the month
6 pm – 8 pm
Adelante Familia, 3734 Eastern Avenue
A monthly support group for the LGBT Latino community in Baltimore City. Contact: somosirisbaltimore@gmail.com.