West Michigan has long taken pride in being a welcoming place for immigrants and new Americans. What does immigration in that welcoming West Michigan look like today? Join the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan for our annual community speaker series in partnership with Kent District Library for a discussion designed to foster learning and dialogue around immigration and refugee experiences and to help us educate our community on the importance and value of immigration in the larger world, as well as in West Michigan.
This three-part series will take place at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch located at 4950 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508.
New Neighbors, Shared Stories: An Evening with Beth Nguyen
Celebrate stories of immigration and belonging with the author of Stealing Buddha’s Dinner, a memoir set in Grand Rapids. Bich Minh (Beth) Nguyen will share her experience growing up as a Vietnamese refugee in West Michigan and invite us to reflect on identity, family and finding home.
Thu., Oct. 8, 6:30 PM
From Global Displacement to Local Welcome: Making Sense of Migration Today
What does global migration have to do with our community? Drawing on decades of experience responding to humanitarian crises around the world, Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, will explore how global forces such as conflict and climate change shape migration and how those realities connect to communities like ours.
Thu., Oct. 15, 6:30 PM
Welcoming Together: Local Organizations, Global Impact
Global stories don’t stay far away — they become part of life right here in West Michigan. Members of the Office of Global Michigan, the Refugee Education Center and local leaders will share their own immigration journeys that led them to West Michigan. Learn how global challenges translate into local action and how communities come together to create a culture of welcome. Join us for a reception beginning at 5:30 PM where we will have booths and tables with local area organizations sharing information on how they are supporting our immigrant and refugee neighbors.
Thu., Oct. 22, 6:30 PM
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