Welcoming New Hampshire

Kwanzaa (African-American/Pan-African)
2021-12-26 - 2022-01-01 | NH, United States
“As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans and indeed, the world African community, it is imperative that an authoritative source and site be made available to give an accurate and expansive account of its origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice.” – Dr. Maulana Karenga, www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org
Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African-Americans together as a community. He founded US, a cultural organization, and started to research African “first fruit” (harvest) celebrations. Karenga combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu, to form the basis of Kwanzaa.
The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal.
To learn more, visit: www.history.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2022-01-17 | NH, United States
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, also referred to as MLK Day for short, is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation and for racial equality in the United States.

MLK Celebration 2022
2022-01-17 13:30 (America/New_York) | NH, United States
40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Community Celebration
on Zoom and on Manchester Public Television (MPTS), Channel 16. Find the Zoom link at mlknh.org.
This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.
Special guest Tj Wheeler is a jazz, blues and roots-related concert festival musician and educator.
Musical selections by the Manchester High School West Jazz Band. And we are proud to welcome back the Greater Manchester Area Choir with Director James McKim.
Shared reading from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s sermon “Loving your Enemies”
delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist church (November 17, 1957).
The Martin Luther King Coalition is comprised of organizations that reflect the teachings, beliefs, and principles of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Through its Representative, each of our Member Organizations contribute time, money, services, or locations, all of which make possible the Coalition’s presentation of the Annual Martin Luther King Day Community Celebration, the prestigious Martin Luther King Award, and the Lionel Washington Johnson Youth Awards for the winners of the Martin Luther King Arts & Writing Contest.

2022 MLK Jr. Coalition Community Celebration
2022-01-17 13:30 - 15:00 | NH, United States
40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Community Celebration
Virtual Program: Monday, January 17, 2022: 1:30 pm-3:00 pm
The MLK Jr. Coalition is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting:
Topic: MLK Jr. 40th Annual Community Celebration
Time: Jan 17, 2022 01:30 PM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83815992942?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 838 1599 2942
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Immediately following the program, join the live Zoom discussion
MPTS: Please check the website www.manchestertv.org for broadcast times. This program will appear on Channel 16.
“Love Not Hate”
Free to the Public – All are Welcome
Music by the Manchester High School West Jazz Band Directed by: Rebecca Berger
Music by the MLK Jr. Choir: Directed by James McKim
Special Guest: TJ Wheeler
Community shared reading of excerpts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s 1957 sermon “Loving Your Enemies”
2022 MLK Award Winner
SEBASTIAN FUENTES – VICE-CHAIR OF THE NH DEMOCRATIC LATINO CAUCUS AND ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NH PROGRESSIVE COALITION
2022 Lionel Washington Johnson Youth Awards
1ST PLACE-ARIANA METZGER- GRADE 6-NEWINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOL
2ND PLACE-DREW VERWEIJ- GRADE 6-BARRINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
2ND PLACE-MARK STAPLETON- GRADE 6-AUBURN VILLAGE SCHOOL
MLKNH.org

Webinar - Immigration Advocates Network: How to Support Citizenship in Your Community
2022-01-27 14:00 | NH, United States
As the number of immigrants coming into the US increases, it can be a challenge for community leaders to help immigrants navigate the path to immigration legal status or citizenship.
During this webinar, Welcoming America partners at the Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) will share the tools and resources they have created to increase access to justice for low-income immigrants.
In addition, you will hear from a Welcoming Network member, the City of Jersey City, NJ, who will share how they have successfully used the IAN’s Citizenshipworks Project to support local immigrants who are going through the citizenship process and how you can do the same.
Whether you are part of a local government, rural community, or nonprofit organization, you will want to hear about how IAN can help you build a program that provides legal and technological resources to promote citizenship in your community.

REGISTER HERE

Manchester - Love from the Walls: Free Them All
2022-02-12 14:30 | NH, United States
Love transcends walls, bars and cages. Hold the date for a community art action to share messages of love, solidarity and resilience.

Join AFSC-NH for “Love From The Walls” a community action to celebrate Valentine’s Day and the people we love as part of our Free Them All campaign, calling for a future without incarceration. A future supported by systems that promote healing, not punitive, justice.

We invite you to call in or write messages of love, faith and resilience to your family, friends and loved ones who are or have been incarcerated at Valley Street Jail or elsewhere. Tell us who you are and who the message is for by Wednesday 2/9.
We will share these messages during the community action which will be held in person at the corner of Valley St. & Willow St. in Manchester and livestreamed on Facebook.

All are welcome!
You can call or text your message by contacting: Ophelia Burnett – 603-268-1178
You can write a message by emailing us at afscnh@afsc.org or filling out this form – https://forms.gle/kQ9EFwmbPxZYobka9
#FreeThemAll
www.AFSC.org/FreeThemAll

Celebrating Black History Month with NH Small Businesses
2022-02-15 14:00 - 15:30 | NH, United States
Join New England Regional Administrator Mike Vlacich and NH District Director Amy Bassett along with Tuesday Belanger of ‘Tuesday Talks’ for a webinar to celebrate National Black History Month.
Meet 3 local business owners and community leaders to gain insight, fresh perspectives, conversation, and learn ways to engage and connect with community programs and local minority-owned businesses.
REGISTER HERE
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Robert Thompson
Rev. Robert Thompson, board president of the Black Heritage Trail of NH which promotes awareness and appreciation of African American history and life to build more inclusive communities today. Robert has been in ministry for over 30 years in various locations including Exeter Phillips Academy. He has helped open several churches around the state with success and ease.
Pathways for Healing, Kile Adumene
Kile Adumene is a community organizer and works as a consultant with the State of NH. Kile helped create an initiative called Pathways for Healing, which connects residents in Manchester from diverse and marginalized groups with services. Growing up in Nigeria her natural instinct is to listen and connect people. She helped found and continues to facilitate the Manchester, NH Community Action Coalition for people of color, immigrants, and others to come together to address their needs and have a voice in community and civic matters.
Community Loan Fund, Zachery Palmer
The audience will hear from Zachery Palmer about resources available to minority business owners and a new program created and rolled out from the NH Community Loan Fund. The Community-Driven Economic Empowerment (C-DEE) and Manchester NAACP pilot program’s goal is to bring people of color together as a community to create a more resilient local economy in Greater Manchester, NH area.
Cayena Capital Mgmt & Cayena Econlab, Elizabeth Salas Evans
Elizabeth Salas Evans, President/CCO for Cayena Capital Management LLC and President/Manager for Cayena Econ Lab LLC provides financial literacy webinars, workshops, issues policy statements, and consulting in perpetuity. She’s held global engagements as a U.S. Ambassador to the Transparency Taskforce a not for-profit located in the United Kingdom that strives to eliminate corruption, fraud, and manipulation from global financial markets. Liz was honored as the 2020 Outstanding Women in Business Award from NH Business Review.
Institute of Skin Science, Sharicka Washington
Sharicka Washington is a small business owner from the NH seacoast. Her company, Institute of Skin Science is a private school for esthetics located in Stratham. As an educator, licensed esthetician and makeup artist, Sharicka is fortunate enough to spend her time empowering people of all backgrounds through education, career development or by simply helping someone look their best & feel confident in their own skin.
SafetyNet Solutions, Jeffrey Hall
Jeff Hall is the President/Owner of SafetyNet Solutions, Inc. in Salem, NH. He has successfully navigated within federal government contracting in the healthcare and services industries. Jeffrey is a disabled veteran who proudly served his country for 22 years in the United States Navy. He is very involved in many community organizations including the Elks, American Legion, Merrimack Valley Food Bank, and he is a SCORE mentor.

Online - Advocacy Training
2022-02-17 16:00 - 17:00 | NH, United States
Learn how to make change in the Granite State with the Stay Work Play Advocacy Network! This training will provide an overview of the NH state legislature and how a bill becomes a law, and when advocacy is most needed within the process. You’ll then learn how to effectively craft your advocacy message and use it to advocate in different ways, such as calling your legislator, testifying at a public hearing, or writing a Letter to the Editor.
Register Here

Manchester - Let's Talk Dream Jobs
2022-02-19 14:00 - 17:00 | Millyard Museum, 200 Bedford St, Manchester, NH, 03101, United States
Join MCAC on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the Millyard Museum for a community skill share event. Join BIPOC, Immigrant, Queer youth and adults to connect with community members from diverse professional backgrounds to learn how to build the skills and gain the experiential knowledge needed to succeed and secure professional dreams and goals.
Register here
MCAC is hosting an informal career day event for underserved populations in Manchester. This event will endeavor to aid youth and young adults in starting conversations about their dream jobs with other BIPOC/queer/marginalized professionals. We want our community to have the ability to start a conversation about the basic steps it takes to secure a career. Many of us have experienced difficulties and bigotry in our journey to secure a livable wage and achieve a sense of self from our jobs. Many of us come from different countries and had issues with financial and language barriers, many of us were told we couldn’t do what we are doing, many of us were never handed the opportunities to have conversations about the futures we wanted for ourselves. We will secure these opportunities and conversations for our youth and young adults.

Online - Covering U.S. Law Basics with Afghan Arrivals
2022-02-28 | NH, United States
Are you new to refugee resettlement? Are you working with Afghan arrivals? Are you unsure how to discuss U.S. laws during Cultural Orientation? If you answered yes to at least two of the questions, CORE’s next webinar is for you.
Covering U.S. Law Basics with Afghan Arrivals is a 45-minute webinar scheduled for February 28 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST. In this session, you will gain tips and strategies on how to navigate conversations around basic rights and responsibilities, including child protection and personal safety.
Register for 10 a.m. EST
Register for 2 p.m. EST

Somersworth - Candlelight Vigil for the People of Ukraine
2022-03-01 17:30 - 18:00 | NH, United States
Candlelight Vigil for Ukraine: Tuesday, March 1st -5:30pm at Citizens Place in Somersworth. Stand in solidarity and prayer with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and as we pray for peace. Please spread the word and invite everyone you know. Parking is available on the street and at the shopping plaza beside the Somersworth Post Office and City Hall.

Online - Listening Session: USCIS Processing Times
2022-03-02 14:00 - 15:30 | NH, United States
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites you to participate in a listening session on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern. The listening session is for stakeholders to provide feedback on the way we communicate processing times. While we are actively looking for ways to reduce processing times, the focus of the listening session will be solely on the way processing times are displayed on our website. USCIS is committed to public engagement, and sessions such as these provide us with valuable feedback as we work to improve our programs.
Topics of interest and questions for consideration: We would appreciate feedback on the following topics:

Feedback on the current Processing Times Webpage
Feedback on related Processing Times Webpages, such as the additional information the Case Processing Times Webpage and the Historical Processing Times Webpage
Suggestions for improving how we communicate processing times
General feedback

To Register:

Visit our registration page.

Online - Higher Education and Afghan Newcomers
2022-03-04 13:00 | NH, United States
Keeping the Promise: Higher Education and Afghan Newcomers

Join the U.S. Department of Education on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 1 pm for a conversation about how the higher education community can support Afghan newcomers and other refugee groups.
Our nation’s institutions and systems of higher education serve our communities in many capacities: as education and training leaders, as connectors and conveners, as housing providers, and much more. Higher education plays a vital role in shaping our country and increases opportunities for upward and social mobility.
This webinar will explore how higher education partners can extend their services to Afghan evacuees and refugees more broadly and support their successful transition into our country and respective communities. We will learn how our institutions and systems are rising to the occasion and providing an array of supports and opportunities to Afghan evacuees, such as school supplies for children, housing, workforce development, translation services, etc. Finally, we will also discuss how our education system can support them in pursuing new skills and credentials.
Guests include:

Diya Abdo, Every Campus A Refuge and Guilford College
Shelly Calabrese and Ali Schaeffing, Russell Sage College
Jennifer Fish, Old Dominion University
Patty Perillo, University of Maryland
President DeRionne Pollard and Anthony Ruiz, Nevada State College
Nancy Zimpher, National Association of System Heads

Register HERE.
For questions about this event, please write to KeepingthePromise@ed.gov.

International Women's Day
2022-03-08 | NH, United States
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.
Learn more at www.internationalwomensday.com

Online - International Women’s Day Celebration
2022-03-08 12:00 | NH, United States
2022 International Women’s Day Celebration Registration

Please join IINE for the online presentation
Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at noon
Register here

Online - USCIS Listening Session: Immigration Protection for Stateless Individuals Living in the United States
2022-03-08 12:30 - 13:30 | NH, United States
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services invites you to participate in a listening session on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Eastern. The listening session is for stakeholders to provide individual feedback on immigration protection for stateless individuals living in the Unites States. This engagement is part of the implementation of the Department of Homeland Security’s commitment, announced on Dec. 15, 2021, to enhance protections for stateless individuals in the United States. USCIS is committed to public engagement, and listening sessions like this one provide valuable feedback as we work to improve our programs.
Topics of interest and questions for consideration: USCIS is interested in any feedback regarding immigration protections for stateless people living in the United States, including the following topics:
1. Terms and Definitions

The 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees define a stateless person as “a person who is not considered as a national by any state under the operation of its laws.” USCIS is considering whether to adopt this definition or a modified version of it for immigration purposes.
What country or term should be used in the country of birth or country of nationality fields for a stateless person seeking documents such as Employment Authorization Documents, Lawful Permanent Resident Cards, I-94 cards, and Certificates of Naturalization and Citizenship?

2. Protections

USCIS is working to understand the primary challenges of stateless people living in the United States today.
Without congressional action, USCIS does not have the legal authority to create an immigration status or path to naturalization for individuals based solely on statelessness, but we are considering what existing immigration protections stateless individuals might be eligible for and benefit from, and how to maximize their access to such protections.

3. Evidentiary Issues and Determination Process

What should USCIS consider in developing a process for determining whether an individual is considered stateless for immigration purposes? (For example, a process could be primarily paper-based or involve an interview in some or all cases.)
What types of evidence would be useful in determining whether an individual is stateless?
How easy or difficult would it be for stateless people to obtain such evidence?
What else should USCIS consider about the types of evidence that would be useful for determining whether an individual is stateless?

To Register:

Visit our registration page.

Online - The Future for Afghan Allies Fleeing the Taliban
2022-03-09 13:00 | NH, United States
Six months after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO military forces from Afghanistan — and the country’s subsequent fall to the Taliban — an estimated 200,000 Afghans who helped the U.S. remain in the country, fearing for their lives. At the same time, the more than 100,000 Afghans able to be evacuated to the United States have only temporary status; they need ways to stay permanently.
In this webcast, you’ll discover how Cornell University and its partners have helped Afghans at risk, what remains to be done, and how you can help. Advocates and immigration policy experts from No One Left Behind, Human Rights First, and the Immigrant Advocates Response Collaborative will discuss how they’re working to ensure the rights and safety of Afghans fleeing persecution under the Taliban.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

How Afghans were evacuated to the United States
The humanitarian parole process for people still at risk in Afghanistan
Asylum and other options for Afghans in the United States
What remains to be done

REGISTER HERE

Online - Ukraine in Context: A Virtual Presentation by Dr. Jennifer Dickenson
2022-03-29 18:30 | NH, United States
Dr. Jennifer Dickinson has been doing linguistic and economic anthropology research in Ukraine for 30 years. In this live Zoom presentation, she will offer some background for those unfamiliar with Ukraine and provide context for the Russian-Ukrainian War. She will also allow plenty of time for questions and updates following fast-moving events in the region. This event is free. Register here

César Chávez Day
2022-03-31 | NH, United States
César Chávez Day is observed in the United States on March 31 each year. It celebrates the birthday of César Estrada Chávez and it serves as a tribute to his commitment to social justice and respect for human dignity.
Learn more about César Chávez at https://chavezfoundation.org

Manchester - The Paradox of Education for Black and Brown Children
2022-04-01 08:00 - 09:30 | NH, United States
Black Heritage Trail of NH presents:

Join this breakfast panel with keynote speaker Dr Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. Together we’ll examine the “paradox of education”, what that paradox means to Black and Brown children, and how educators can become agents for societal change.
Panel includes local leaders and scholars on race, equity, and education. Breakfast food will be provided.
Read more here
Register Here
Register by March 28, 2022.

Peterborough - Unframing the Narrative
2022-04-03 14:00 | Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center, 26 Main St, Peterborough, NH, 03458, United States
Two writers of color, Dr. Thawra Yousif and Letta Neely, read their work and discuss connections between their Afro-Iraqi and African-American worlds, centering their conversation around resilience, family, and stratagems of disenfranchisement that have affected them both. Afterward, playwright Amy Merrill and Letta Neely will discuss the collective work being done by women from the Middle East and the U.S. via Her Story Is: Women Building Bridges through the Arts.
Register here

Online - Inclusive Economies for All: Tackling Systemic Barriers to Employment Faced by Immigrants and Refugees
2022-04-11 14:00 - 15:00 | NH, United States
Join this webinar to learn about state-level innovative workforce development efforts that support the inclusion of internationally educated immigrants and refugees in the local workforce.
Immigrants and refugees and other displaced people who arrive in the United States with international education and qualifications often confront barriers in the U.S. that prevent them from securing employment at a level commensurate with their international experience. Despite their multilingual skills, cross-cultural competencies, and years of experience in their fields, there are approximately 2 million college-educated immigrants and refugees who are underemployed or unemployed; of this group, 60 percent hold international credentials.
During this session, you will hear from subject-matter experts and policymakers on steps state officials can take to reduce systemic barriers to occupational licensure for internationally educated immigrants and refugees.
Register here

Online - Arab American Heritage Webinar
2022-04-13 12:30 - 13:15 | NH, United States
RSVP to this free webinar by emailing ddefilipps@sjhnh.org

Tax Day
2022-04-15 | NH, United States
Many United States residents mark Tax Day as the deadline to file their income tax details to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The date is usually on or around April 15. However, this deadline may be extended to accommodate holidays or extreme weather conditions.

Concord - New Americans Got Talent
2022-04-28 17:00 - 20:00 | Bank of NH Stage, 16 S Main St, Concord, NH, 03301, United States
Support New American Youth in our community!
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Bank of NH Stage
Guest Speakers + Talent Show performed by New American youth.
RSVP here

Manchester - May Day Event
2022-05-02 16:30 | Manchester City Hall, 1 City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH, 03101, United States
Every year for more than a century, workers across the world have gathered for International Workers Day, also known as May Day.
This year in NH, a coalition of immigrants and workers’ rights organizations and supporters are planning a May Day event at the Manchester City Hall.

See full event details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/291799989809299/?ref=newsfeed

Cinco de Mayo (Mexican American)
2022-05-05 | NH, United States
Cinco de Mayo is annually observed on May 5. It celebrates the defeat of the French army during the Battle of Puebla (Batalla de Puebla) in Mexico on May 5, 1862. It is NOT to be confused with Mexico’s Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo is seen as a day to celebrate the culture, achievements and experiences of people with a Mexican background who live in the United States.

Manchester - Art & Plant Extravaganza
2022-05-14 10:00 - 15:00 | NH, United States

Online - Title 42 and the State of Asylum in the US
2022-05-19 12:00 - 12:45 | NH, United States
The Biden administration’s plans to end Title 42—the border policy that has allowed the U.S. government to turn migrants away since the start of the pandemic—has been complicated by ongoing litigation.
Join experts from the American Immigration Council and Human Rights First for a webinar on Title 42 and the current state of the U.S. asylum system.
Register Now
The discussion will cover:

The latest developments in the fight to end Title 42.
How Title 42 has played out at the border.
Implications of the court decision to temporarily block President Biden’s termination.
A Q&A with the panel of experts.

Space is limited — register today

Online - Webinar on the International Institute of New England’s ongoing work to resettle Afghans, migrants, and refugees
2022-05-19 17:00 | NH, United States
A virtual Town Hall Webinar on the International Institute of New England’s ongoing work to resettle Afghans, migrants, and refugees in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Register to attend
During this webinar, IINE leadership and staff will provide an update on our resettlement programming, the extraordinary efforts of staff and volunteers to resettle over 500 Afghans, our ongoing work to support Haitian individuals and families, ways we are preparing to serve Ukrainian refugees, and our plans to develop a Community Sponsor model of engagement and resettlement support. An IINE staff and client panel will talk about first-hand experiences and answer questions.
