As 2023 comes to a close, we can’t help but look back on our year in Akron and feel immense gratitude and pride for the work that we did as a community. In 2023, IIA resettled 407 new refugee arrivals, enrolled 256 immigrants in English classes, worked on 55 asylum cases in our legal department, and moved our office to downtown Akron! IIA looks forward to the upcoming year and our future accomplishments as an organization, team, and community.
December at the Institute
This past month at IIA, our team welcomed 58 new refugee arrivals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burma, and Afghanistan, providing initial resettlement services such as housing, cultural orientation, and more.
On Friday, December 1st, IIA’s legal team hosted a free Citizenship Workshop and assisted 16 immigrants with their application to become U.S. citizens! We’re proud to be a small part of these individuals' journey to becoming citizens.
Lastly, we’d like to give a big shoutout to North Hill Needle Crafters and Shelf Life Bookstore for putting together some fantastic donations for IIA! The North Hill Needle Crafters provided us with handmade blankets and winter gear for the cold season ahead, and Shelf Life held a donation drive of hygiene products for newly arriving refugee families!
Get Involved
During the holidays, we have a couple of great ways for our community to get involved in our work and help support our mission.
Belonging Begins With Us Fundraising Campaign: As we bid farewell to 2023, we have one final request for our devoted supporters. We aspire to raise $20,000 by January 15th to sustain our comprehensive services for refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers arriving in 2024. These funds will bolster essential programs such as our resettlement services, ESL and citizenship classes, employment services, intensive case management, legal services, and more. Your support is vital as we anticipate the resettlement of 500 refugees in the coming year, marking the highest number of new arrivals in Akron since 2016. If you’d like to make a contribution, you can do so by clicking the button below! Thank you for your unwavering support.
Host a Donation Drive: Are you a part of an organization, community group, church, or business and looking for a way to get involved? Consider hosting a donation drive on behalf of IIA! As we prepare to welcome 500 refugees to Akron in 2024, there are essential needs required for each individual, such as bedding, pots and pans, hygiene products, and more. If you’d like to host a donation drive to support our new neighbors or are interested in learning more, please contact kevin.walter@iiakron.org.
Upcoming Events in Akron
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson – On Sunday, January 14th, from 2:00pm-4:00pm, the Akron Main Library will be hosting Dr. Michael Eric Dyson for a lecture on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Michael Eric Dyson is one of the nation’s most renowned professors, gifted writers, inspiring preachers, knowledgeable lecturers, and prominent media personalities. Dyson’s experience and expertise make this an event you won't want to miss. This is a free event. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To learn more about Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and the event, please go to: https://services.akronlibrary.org/event/9510766
Winter Spice Club Kickoff – Spice up your cooking at the Akron-Summit County Ellet Branch Library on January 2nd with the Winter Spice Club! Pick up a free kit that includes a history of the spice, recipes, and a sample to use at home. This is a great way to learn about spices and where they come from around the globe! Learn more at: https://services.akronlibrary.org/event/9423338
Marking Luther King Jr. Day at the Akron Zoo – Visit the Akron zoo on Monday, January 15th and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Admissions is free for all guests!
Recommendation Corner
Kwanzaa
As the holiday season approaches, many diverse communities come together to celebrate their unique traditions and customs. One such celebration during this time is the African holiday of Kwanzaa. Rooted in rich cultural heritage and a commitment to unity, Kwanzaa is a seven-day festival that provides a meaningful opportunity for reflection, connection, and community building.
Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits" in Swahili, was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 to reconnect African Americans with their African roots and celebrate their shared cultural heritage. The festival is observed from December 26th to January 1st, with each day dedicated to one of the seven principles, known as the Nguzo Saba. Though Kwanzaa was first created and celebrated here in the United States, it is celebrated throughout the world where there are populations of the African Diaspora. This holiday is celebrated not only by native Africans, but it is also celebrated by immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers from across the world.
The Seven Principles:
1. Umoja (Unity): The first day of Kwanzaa emphasizes the importance of unity within the family, community, and nation. Families come together to light the first candle on the Kinara, a symbolic candleholder, and reflect on the power of togetherness.
2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): On the second day, Kwanzaa encourages individuals to define themselves, speak for themselves, and stand up for what they believe in. This principle fosters a sense of empowerment and self-responsibility.
3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Day three underscores the value of collaboration and shared responsibility. Communities are encouraged to work together to solve problems and uplift one another.
4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): The fourth day focuses on economic cooperation and building businesses within the community. Supporting black-owned businesses becomes a central theme, promoting economic empowerment and sustainability.
5. Nia (Purpose): On the fifth day, participants reflect on their individual and collective purpose, striving to set and pursue goals that contribute to the betterment of the community.
6. Kuumba (Creativity): Day six celebrates creativity in all its forms—art, innovation, and self-expression. Kwanzaa encourages individuals to use their creative talents to contribute to the cultural enrichment of the community.
7. Imani (Faith): The final day emphasizes faith in oneself, in the community, and in the future. It serves as a reminder to maintain a strong sense of belief and confidence in the possibilities ahead.
Kwanzaa stands as a beacon of unity, culture, and community, providing an opportunity for people of African descent to connect with their roots and celebrate the strength of their shared heritage. As we embrace these principles, let us come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a brighter future for all.
To read more about Kwanzaa, click here.
Thanks for staying up to date on everything IIA, and we look forward to sharing more information soon!