City of Dallas and Dallas Mavs Take Action Celebrate First-Generation American Experiences
January 2, 2025
The City of Dallas is excited to collaborate with Dallas Mavericks’ Mavs Take Action on their latest Huddle Series: First-Generation American Experiences. This docuseries features influential first-generation American leaders in the DFW area, including NBA Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki, Christina da Silva, Assistant Director of the City of Dallas Office of Equity and Inclusion, and a diverse group of community partners. The series showcases the challenges, triumphs, and unique experiences of eight Dallasites, shedding light on the critical resources and support systems that helped them succeed. Watch the full video here.
This effort aligns with the mission of the City’s Office of Equity and Inclusion – Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs Division, which strives to be a bridge connecting Dallas’ diverse immigrant community with existing residents to foster common ground and shared leadership.
“We are pleased to partner with Dallas Mavs Take Action on this project, highlighting First Generation Americans that call Dallas home and having the opportunity to provide valuable resources to the community.” said Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director of the City of Dallas Office of Equity and Inclusion. “Immigrants comprise of 23% of our city’s population, contributing significantly to its vitality.”
In addition to the First-Generation American Experiences series, the City of Dallas commitment to supporting its immigrant community was showcased during a Naturalization Ceremony on December 6, 2024, at City Hall. This event, held in collaboration with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), celebrated 30 Dallas residents from 19 countries who took the oath of U.S. citizenship, marking a significant milestone in their American journeys. Click here to view this year’s ceremony.
Liz Cedillo-Pereira, City of Dallas Assistant City Manager, shared “The U.S. Naturalization ceremony at City Hall celebrates our residents taking the solemn oath of citizenship and their invaluable contributions to shaping our vibrant community. With key partners like U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the League of Women Voters, the event also serves as an invitation to our residents to fully participate in exercising their rights and responsibilities to vote and engage in civic affairs.”
For individuals interested in applying for U.S. citizenship, the City offers a comprehensive resource guide. This includes access to local nonprofits providing low-cost or free legal assistance and citizenship classes, which will be available at Dallas Public Library locations starting in January. Visit here for more information.
