The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) on Monday began Immigrant Heritage Week 2022 with the theme, “Immigrant New York: Rebuilding Together.”
Originally started in 2004, Immigrant Heritage Week (IHW) is celebrated in mid–April to commemorate the legacy of April 17, 1907, the day in New York City history on which the largest number of immigrants – 11,000 – entered the US through Ellis Island.
“This year, IHW will take place April 11 to April 17, 2022, and will include an array of in person and virtual community events and programs across every borough, giving New Yorkers more opportunities to celebrate their culture and learn about what makes the city so diverse and unique,” said MOIA in a statement.
“While thousands of immigrants came to this country through Ellis Island looking for better lives for themselves and their children a century ago, it is important that we continue to recognize how immigrants’ histories, unique cultures, and contributions today still play a role in contributing to New York City’s diverse immigrant communities,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
“Our city supports our immigrants and recognizes how essential they have been in keeping our city running, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added. “I am proud to commemorate the important legacy that Immigrant Heritage Week represents.”
“This week we celebrate all the ways immigrants make New York City more resilient, adaptable, and vibrant. Every day we can see the tremendous contribution they have made to the very fabric of our city. New York’s diversity is a source of strength, and we will continue to support and uplift all immigrant communities,” said Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services, Anne Williams-Isom.
Manuel Castro, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, said: “This week NYC celebrates #ImmigrantHeritageWeek, a time we celebrate and honor the contributions that immigrants have made to our city, throughout history and present day.
“For the 18th annual Immigrant Heritage Week, we focus on rebuilding together after a devasting crisis, and remember that we cannot rebuild our city without immigrant communities,” he added.
This year’s hallmark events include: Throughout the week — Taxi & Limousine Commissioner (TLC) Street Team Outreach. TLC outreach teams will host events and provide drivers with information about available City resources from NYC WELL, ODRC, DPU, MOIA & CCHR. Outreach events will occur across the City.
April 11, 2022 – Queens Public Library is proud to present Guqin’s Musical Play-A Day of Zhang Dai. 7sArt produced Guqin’s musical play “A Day of Zhang Dai” describes a Chinese essayist’s daily activities, starting with the wake-up moment in the morning and displaying a scholar lifestyle during the Ming Dynasty.
This play integrated substantial elements such as Guqin, Xiao, Tea, Calligraphy, Painting, Flower Arrangement, Poetry and Literature as a whole.
April 13, 2022 – Generation after generation, America’s changing population has changed its musical landscape. American Music in Changing America hosted by the Lincoln Center of Performing Arts, will be a conversation that explores the diversity of Latin music and culture, and how these rhythms and traditions have been integral to American music from its historical roots to the present day.
Moderated by Julyssa Lopez. Panelists will include Linda Briceño, Carlos Chirinos, Jaime Lozano, and Sofia Rei who will share their musical influences.
They will discuss how cross-cultural experiences have shaped their artistry and consider how Latin culture is represented in the American music industry through a critical lens. Location: Atrium’s entrance on Broadway, between 62nd and 63rd Street. Seating and entry are first-come, first-served basis.
April 14, 2022 – Brooklyn Public Library is proud to celebrate Immigrant Heritage with Italian Storytime, exploring emotions through stories, games, and activities. Watch here: https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynPublicLibrary/
April 14, 2022 – NYC Emergency Management will be hosting an Emergency Preparedness Workshop in collaboration with the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) to teach New Yorkers about emergency preparedness.
They will provide a workshop on emergency preparedness, conduct a raffle and encourage participants to explore the museum’s exhibits. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/immigrant-heritage-week-emergency-preparedness-workshop-registration-302912538557
April 16, 2022 – The Washington Irving branch of Brooklyn Public Library and The Cultural Immigrant Initiative is proud to present Los 3 cochinitos/The 3 Little Pigs Bilingual Puppetshow. Afterwards, Repertorio Theatre will provide materials for a puppet-making workshop. Location: Brooklyn Public Library Washington Irving Branch 360 Irving Ave Brooklyn, NY 11237.
April 17, 2022 – The Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts will host Sitar Recital & Spiritual Songs. The first half of the event will be live instrumental recital Sita by Morshed Khan Apu with accompanied Tabla by Mir Naqibul Islam.
The second half includes Bengali spiritual songs. At the end of the performances, there will be Iftar, the evening meal with which Muslims end daily Ramadan fast at sunset. Location: P.S 12 4200 72nd Street, Woodside, Queens.
