“We’re All In!” City of Dallas Kicks Off Welcoming Week 2024
The City of Dallas Office of Equity and Inclusion – Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs Division announces Welcoming Week 2024, taking place from September 13 to 22. Welcoming Week is an annual campaign celebrating the progress made in creating communities that are inclusive and welcoming to all, including immigrants.
The Week provides individuals and organizations the opportunity to showcase values through events and initiatives that foster connections between immigrants and non-immigrants, promoting belonging and inclusion for everyone. Organizations and communities come together to build strong connections and affirm the importance of inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.
“Welcoming Week is a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity,” said Assistant City Manager Liz Cedillo Pereira. “As the first Certified Welcoming City in Texas, Dallas stands as a beacon of inclusion, where the richness of diverse cultures fosters growth and innovation. Building a city where every person, regardless of their background, can belong and thrive is our collective goal.”
This year’s theme, “We’re All In,” is a call to come together as individuals and groups to celebrate strengths and differences. It emphasizes that Dallas is at its best when collaboration and commitment to building welcoming spaces for all is achieved.
As part of Welcoming Week, the City of Dallas is sharing the “New Americans in Dallas” report, highlighting the significant economic contributions of immigrants. Immigrants, who make up 23.2% of the population, accounted for 28.4% of the employed labor force. In 2022, immigrant households in Dallas earned $10.7 billion, contributing $1.6 billion to federal taxes and $900.6 million to state and local taxes, with $8.2 billion in spending power. The full report is available on the Office of Equity and Inclusion – Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs website here.
“As we celebrate Welcoming Week, let’s honor the incredible contributions of immigrant communities and reinforce our commitment to a Dallas where every individual feels valued. ‘We’re All In’, means we embrace diversity and acknowledge that it is truly our greatest strength” said Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
In addition to attending the events listed below, the City of Dallas invites everyone to celebrate the importance of diversity and inclusion by sharing pictures with a multilingual “I am a Welcomer” sign on social media and tagging @Dallascityoei on Facebook and Instagram.
List of Welcoming Week Events:
Friday September 13, 2024
Roots and Rhythm with The Bandan Koro Experience
Members will adorn colorful and traditional African attire and will be playing traditional African Instruments hand carried from West Africa. Audience Members become fully engage participants with the opportunity to patricipate in interactive segments.
K.B Polk Recreation Center
6801 Roper Street
Dallas, TX 75209
Link: https://dallasculture.org/cultureofvaluemonth/
4:30 to 6 p.m.
Bilingual Story Time
Stories, songs and rhymes in English AND Spanish to prepare your child to learn to read!
Suggested ages: 3 years and younger
Oak Lawn – Children’s Area
Oak Lawn Branch Library
4100 Cedar Springs Road
Dallas, TX 75219
10:30 to 11 a.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/bilingual-storytime-hora-de-cuentos-361940
Mahjong Club
Looking to play Mahjong in a relaxed, friendly environment? We’re a club that meets Wednesdays and Fridays to socialize and play games of a beginner-friendly Chinese version of mahjong with optional scoring. Mahjong tiles, racks, and rule sheets will all be provided. Players of all skill levels are welcome.
Renner Frankford Branch Library
6400 Frankford Road
Dallas, TX 75252
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/mahjong-367655
Anime Club
Do you love watching anime and reading manga, then come to Lancaster-Kiest to watch read and discuss anime and manga!
Paul Laurence Dunbar Lancaster-Kiest Branch Library
2008 East Kiest Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75216
4 to 5 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/anime-club-378758
Saturday September 14, 2024
Spanish / English Language Exchange
Come practice Spanish and help English learners at the language exchange. You will chitchat with fellow learners and discuss topics like travel, food, sports, and more with the help of thought-provoking conversation questions and fun activities.
Venga a practicar inglés y ayude a los estudiantes que están aprendiendo español en un intercambio de idiomas. Charlará con otros estudiantes y discutirá temas como viajes, comida, deportes y más a través de preguntas y conversaciones que inviten a pensar y reflexionar con actividades divertidas.
Arcadia Park Branch Library
1302 North Justin Avenue
Dallas, TX 75211
10 to 11 a.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/spanish-english-language-exchange-371549
Family Day: Mexican Independence
The Skillman Southwestern Branch is getting ready to celebrate Mexican Independence Day! We will have activity stations that teach a little about the history of Mexico, like the story of the Mexican flag, throughout the day!
Lilia Estrada will also be teaching the history of pinatas, and participants can make their own mini pinata.
Cara Mia Theatre will be performing, “Flores y Calaveras,” the story of a Mexican-A, an American girl, and a Calavera who teaches her the beauty of the Mexican Day of the Dead tradition.
Skillman Southwestern Branch Library
5707 Skillman Street
Dallas, TX 75206
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/family-day-mexican-independence-360192
German Genealogy – The History of the Habsburg Empire
Many German immigrants came from the Habsburg Empire, rather than the German Empire and its precursor states. Since the Habsburg Empire had political, administrative, linguistic, and religious structures that differed greatly from those in the German Empire, researching the former Habsburg Empire is very different. Learn the history of this particular era in time from Günter Ofner, President of Familia Austria.
The focus of the German Genealogy Group is researching migrants who immigrated from German-speaking areas of Europe to various parts of the US from the 1700s to the 1900s. Knowledge of the German language is not required – the goal is to help guide your research and provide resources for translating the records. The group is a special interest group of the Dallas Genealogical Society and is freely open to all.
J. Erik Jonsson Central Library
1515 Young Street
Dallas, TX 75201
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/german-genealogy-group-376976
Citizenship Class
Free Citizenship preparation classes. All are welcome. No library card or I.D. required. Register in-person during class.
Clases de ciudadanía gratis. Todos son bienvenidos. Sin tarjeta de biblioteca o identificación. requerido. Regístrese durante la clase.
Kleberg-Rylie Branch Library
1301 Edd Road
Dallas, TX 75253
12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/citizenship-class-363254
Enkutatash: Ethiopian New Year Celebration
Celebrate Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year, at the library from 1 PM to 3 PM; immerse yourself in Ethiopia’s rich culture and traditions with exciting activities and performances.
Highlights of the event include:
Dance Performance: Enjoy a captivating dance performance that showcases traditional African movements and rhythms.
Ethiopian Food: Savor the flavors of Ethiopia with a selection of delicious traditional dishes.
Kids’ Crafts: Children can get creative with Ethiopian-themed crafts, perfect for all ages.
Music Performance: Get ready to be captivated by an unforgettable African music experience with a stellar performance by Bandan Koro.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the beauty and heritage of Ethiopia right here at the library. All are welcome!
Vickery Park Branch
8333 Park Ln
Dallas, TX 75231
1 to 3 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/ethiopian-new-year-celebration-361740
Bhuvana Venkatraman presents: Indian Classical Dance
Bhuvana provides Indian classical dance performances which introduces audiences to the rich and elaborate tradition of Indian classical dance for Bharatanatyam! Audience will receive the description of the dances and the art forms, followed by performances and an optional interactive section.
Hampton-Illinois Branch Library
2951 S Hampton Road
Dallas, TX 75224
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/tejas-dance-dfw-presents-bhuvana-venkatraman-374531
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration with Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company
Hispanic Heritage month starts tomorrow! Get ready for this celebration of culture with Ollimpaxqui Ballet Company, as they teach us about the the spirit and traditions behind dances such as Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Folklorico, and more in this family friendly interactive program full of music and dance.
Plus, take home an activity packet full of fun ways for all ages to learn about and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Lochwood Branch Library
11221 Lochwood Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75218 2 to 3:15 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/hispanic-heritage-month-celebration-ollimpaxqui-ballet-376324
To Be Seen, Not Heard
Through a series of evocative works, Vaniecia captures the tension between being visible and voiceless, creating a raw, unfiltered narrative that resonates personally. In a unique twist, viewers can become part of the exhibition, further blurring the lines between the observer and the observed. Vaniecia’s distinctive style and intimate approach ensure that “To Be Seen, Not Heard” is not just seen but felt—leaving a lasting impression that challenges and inspires all who participate.
South Dallas Cultural Center
3400 S Fitzhugh Ave Dallas, TX
6 to 8 p.m.
Link: https://www.dallasnews.com/event/18c8e1dd-79dd-6629-7659-4d55ceaa67f9/?utm_medium=goseedfw&utm_source=goseedfw-oac
Monday September 16, 2024
BeKinder Coffee
BeKinder Coffee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a compassionate community for refugees and asylees. We provide essential job skills, continuing education, and job training opportunities for migrants who participate in our program. Support their mission by getting coffee and a pastry at their new physical location,
6500 Greenville Ave Suite 170, Dallas, TX 75206
Monday – Friday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Link: https://bekindercoffeeus.org/
Tuesday September 17, 2024
GED en español
Está invitado a asistir a clases gratuitas de preparación para el GED en español en la Biblioteca Pública de Dallas. El registro está disponible en clase y no se requiere identificación.
Arcadia Park Branch Library
1302 North Justin Avenue
Dallas, TX 75211
12 to 1:30 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/ged-en-espanol-363166
Tai Chi for Seniors
Rooted in ancient Chinese tradition, Tai Chi offers a gentle yet powerful practice that enhances physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance, making it an ideal form of exercise for seniors of all abilities. Presented by Body & Brain Yoga and Health Centers.
Audelia Road Branch Library
10045 Audelia Road
Dallas, TX 75238
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/tai-chi-seniors-355845
Spanish Class at White Rock Hills
Learn Spanish by focusing on a variety of topics such as grammar, culture, customs and current events in the Spanish speaking world!
White Rock Hills Branch Library
9150 Ferguson Road
Dallas, TX 75228
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/spanish-class-white-rock-hills-318360
Wednesday September 18, 2024
Amy Bluemel Native American Dance Workshop
An immersive dance workshop for patrons to learn about the Chickasaw and Southeastern tribal customs and dance practices.
J. Erik Jonsson Central Library
1515 Young Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/amy-bluemel-native-american-dance-workshop-381262
Thursday September 19, 2024
Afrofusion Dance with Infinite Arts Movement
Teens will learn the culturally rich history of dance while enjoying some new dance moves!
Highland Hills Branch Library
6200 Bonnie View Road
Dallas, TX 75241
Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
Link: https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/senorita-doll-craft-hispanic-heritage-month-celebration-371623
Paella y Pasion
This free community event offers a culinary adventure and cultural experience. Paella, sangria and beer will be for sale while a show celebrates hispanic culture in the theater. This family event will help raise money for La Cantera Arts Conservatory.
Bath House Cultural Center
521 East Lawther Drive
Dallas TX 75218
6 to 7 p.m.
Link: https://www.prekindle.com/event/85666-paella-y-pasion-concessions-and-donations-dallas
Saturday September 21, 2024
Dallas International Night Market
Experience a vibrant celebration of Dallas’ diverse food, culture, and art at this unique event. With over 50 vendors (and counting), live music, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone. This all-ages event is FREE to attend.
Prism Center
5580 Peterson Lane, Dallas, TX, 75240.
4 to 10 p.m.
Link: https://www.dallasinternationaldistrict.com/events
