In 2015, the City of Decatur signed a resolution to become one of Welcoming America’s Welcoming Cities. Decatur will join Welcoming America and other organizations around the world in participating in Welcoming Week, Sept. 15-24. This year’s Welcoming Week theme is “Connecting Neighbors, Serving Communities.” During this annual week of events, communities are encouraged to bring together immigrants, refugees, and native-born neighbors to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. See planned events below.
Welcoming Week Decatur Reception
Friday, Sept. 15 ∙ 5- 7 p.m.
This year Decatur will host a Welcoming Week kickoff event on Friday, Sept. 15, at the community bandstand on the square. Bring your family and friends as we celebrate what it means to be a member of the Decatur community. There will be artists, refreshments and speakers from the community sharing their stories of immigration and what being a Decatur resident means to them, and the unveiling of the I Am Decatur photo project. The event is free and open to all who wish to join.
*A public art installation based on Decatur photographer, Beate Sass’ I Am Decatur photo project will be on view beginning Sept. 15 at the community bandstand on the square. You can also view the exhibit online at IamDecatur.com. Subscribe to receive new stories as they are published.
Atlanta Panyarders Caribbean Arts and Culture Exhibit
Friday, Sept. 22• 5-8 p.m.
The Atlanta Panyarders Caribbean Arts and Cultural group invites the community to the bandstand on Friday, Sept. 22, to embark on a journey through Caribbean culture. The program will include steelpan music, a display of elaborate festival costumes and interactions with the audience.
We Are Decatur: Building Community through Conversations
Sunday, Sept. 24• 5-7:30 p.m.
The Decatur community is welcome to participate in community conversations around Sunday supper on Sept. 24. This event will feature the I Am Decatur photo project.
Read the personal stories of fellow community members, and then join in on a broad community conversation across differences. Participants will be supported by table facilitators and invited to share experiences and perspectives on various topics. The event will take place at Beacon Municipal Center, Ebster Gym, 105 Electric Ave., and is free to the community. Reservations are required as space is limited. RSVP at goo.gl/tPa55D (use password WeAreDecatur17).
