Submitted by Tacoma Community House
Partnership organizations hosting collaborative events include: Tacoma Community House, Morgan Family YMCA, University Y Student Center, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma Community College, City of Tacoma, Catholic Community Services, Rainbow Center, REACH Center and Asia Pacific Cultural Center.
“We believe Tacoma and Pierce County is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good. Welcoming Week is an opportunity for neighbors – both immigrants and U.S.-born residents – to connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values.”
Full List of Welcoming Week Activities in Tacoma
Togetherness Handprint Collage
Friday, September 15, 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
University Y Student Center (1710 Market St.)
A collaborative artwork celebrating community and diversity.
Mariachi Huenachi
Friday, September 15, 3:00 p.m.-4:35 p.m.
Schneebeck Concert Hall, University of Puget Sound (1500 N. Warner St.)
A free musical event featuring Wenatchee High School’s advanced mariachi class, Mariachi Huenachi. Program students confront the challenges of poverty, legal status, and societal expectations as they strive for better lives for themselves and their families.
Sponsored by Latinx Unidos and The Associated Students of the University of Puget Sound.
A Fresh Look “Inside and Out” Art Reception
Saturday, September 16, 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Morgan Family Y Community Art Studio (1002 S Pearl St.)
An afternoon to celebrate the artwork of refugee and immigrant youth from the South Sound that explores what has made them who they are today and what makes us community. Attendees will explore ways to create a more welcoming community and will participate in a celebration of Mexican Independence Day with a performance by Esplendor Mexicano at 1:15 p.m..
Sponsored by YMCA and Catholic Community Services. Light refreshments provided.
City of Tacoma Welcoming Week Proclamation
Tuesday, September 19, 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, Tacoma Municipal Building (747 Market St.)
City Council proclamation of Welcoming Week in Tacoma.
Chalkboard Mural
Tuesday, September 19-Saturday, September 23
Morgan Family YMCA (1002 S Pearl St.)
An interactive mural exploring identity and place-making.
Voices from LGBTQ Immigrants & Refugees
Wednesday, September 20, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Rainbow Center (2215 Pacific Ave.)
A panel featuring LGBTQ immigrants and refugees from Russia, Mexico, and Colombia. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in Q&A with panelists.
Refreshments provided.
Immigrant Detention: Histories, Hopes, and Current Realities
Thursday, September 21, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Washington State History Museum (1911 Pacific Ave.)
An event assessing Tacoma’s status as a Welcoming City in light of the Northwest Detention Center’s presence in the Tide Flats, drawing perspectives from national and local history, community panelists, and facilitated discussions.
Sponsored by Tacoma Community House and the Washington State History Museum.
FLAVOR: Stand Up for Immigrants, Sit Down for a Meal
Thursday, September 21
See the Tacoma Community House website for locations
An annual dining fundraiser for Tacoma Community House that brings together immigrants and U.S.-born residents in a spirit of unity and welcoming.
Art Workshops
Saturday, September 23, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Morgan Family YMCA (1002 S Pearl St.)
12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Margaret Doty, Tacoma Community College, “Who Am I?” A visual arts workshop that will explore identity through mixed media collage.
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: Ala Talo, Asia Pacific Cultural Center and Hearts for Kids. A cultural arts workshop featuring a Pacific Island dance performance and Samoan Dance workshop.
