Aug. 30, 2024 – Welcoming Week in Cedar Rapids is Sept. 13-22, 2024, and the library is participating.

Welcoming Week fits under the City of Cedar Rapids “Welcome is Our Language” campaign, seeking to highlight and celebrate the diversity of the community.

A nation-wide initiative created by Welcoming America, the week is presented in Cedar Rapids by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. Welcoming Week brings people and organizations across the city together to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.

“Welcoming Week is being celebrated across the country to let immigrants know they're welcomed throughout the nation. Welcoming communities are more appealing to the workforce, and help attract and retain talent,” said Doug Neumann, Executive Director at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “Immigrants continue to contribute to the rich, multi-cultural tapestry that makes up the United States. Here in Cedar Rapids, immigrants are our largest growing population and help strengthen our workforce and economy. Plus, it’s always a great reminder that the United States was built by immigrants and refugees from all over the world.”

With major events including Festival Latino on Sept. 14 and AsianFest on Sept. 21, the week also includes smaller programs around Cedar Rapids. On Saturday, Sept. 14, the library will host a Welcoming Week chalk art event for all ages and a story time for children.

The following Saturday, Sept. 21, people will be able to learn about Kenyan beading with Josie Shaw. Shaw is part of the organization CultureALL, which provides cultural ambassadors for events across Iowa.

“The library really prides itself on being a place where everyone is welcome, and this is a way to ensure that people who are new to our community know that everyone truly means everyone,” Programming Manager Kevin Delecki said.

“This is a way to intentionally bring in and celebrate all of the different cultures that exist in our community.”

Welcoming Week Events at the Library

WELCOMING WEEK STORY TIME

Families and children of all ages are invited to a story time that celebrates stories of immigration, inclusivity, and welcoming community members of all backgrounds.

Saturday, Sept. 14, 10-10:45 am

Downtown Library, Children’s Program Room

COMMUNITY CHALK ART CHALLENGE

All ages are invited to contribute to a chalk art display around the library in celebration of Welcoming Week. In case of rain, this activity will be held in the Commons.

Saturday, Sept. 14, 1-3 pm

Downtown Library, Urban Plaza & Commons

KENYAN BEADING WITH CULTUREALL

Beading is a symbol of Kenyan national pride. Intricately beaded necklaces and collars have been worn by women for generations. The beads offer clues to their marital status, health, and even the number of children they have. Join CultureALL Ambassador Josie Shaw to explore the meaning associated with each vibrant color and experience the beauty of this Kenyan tradition. Registration required.

Saturday, Sept. 21, 1-1:45 pm

Ladd Library, Community Room

Welcoming Week Events in the Corridor

These are a few of the events planned across Cedar Rapids. Find a full schedule at cedarrapids.org/economicalliance-events/welcoming-week.

SPARK IN THE PARK MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF MARION

Food, fashion, dance, music, and fun, with cultural performances, wellness demonstrations, vendors, kids activities, and a soccer tournament.

Sunday, Sept. 8, 11 am- 5 pm

Lowe Park, 4500 10th St., Marion

FESTIVAL LATINO

Celebrate and experience the richness and diversity of Latin American cultures with live music, performances, food, and activities for kids.

Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 am-6 pm

McGrath Amphitheatre, 475 First St. SW

CATHERINE MCAULEY CENTER: OPEN HOUSE

Visit Catherine McAuley for an open house, tours, and a volunteer panel.

Sunday, Sept. 15, 1-5 pm

Catherine McAuley Center, 1220 Fifth Ave. SE

KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE: “MINARI” FILM SCREENING

Free screening of “Minari,” a story of a family of South Korean immigrants who move to rural Arkansas in the 1980s, followed by a discussion. Monday, Sept. 16, 3-6 pm Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Hall 2082, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW CATHERINE MCAULEY CENTER: REFUGEE SIMULATION An immersive learning experience that helps participants better understand some of the difficult choices refugees may face on their resettlement journey. Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6:15-8:30 pm Mercy Medical Center, Hallagan Education Center, 701 10th St. SE

CATHERINE MCAULEY CENTER: CELEBRATION & GALA

Celebrate the Catherine McAuley Center’s 35-year legacy of offering hope and opportunity. Tickets $75, details: cmc-cr.org.

Friday, Sept. 20, 5:30-8 pm

DoubleTree By Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, 350 First Ave. NE

BREWNOST

An international beer festival supporting the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Tickets $50-$150; details: ncsml.org.

Friday, Sept. 20, 5:30-9:30 pm

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW

ASIANFEST

Celebrate Asia’s rich heritage with cultural performances, authentic cuisine, and fun activities.

Saturday, Sept. 21, noon-8 pm

NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE

UNITED WE MARCH FORWARD: KIKAO

Conversation, food, and awareness building. Details: unitedwemarchforward.org.

Saturday, Sept. 21, 4-8 pm

Groundswell Café, 201 Third Ave. SW