Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame Announces Cultural Performances

The Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame (IHHF) is excited to announce the cultural entertainment lineup for its 2024 Induction Ceremony & Gala, set to take place on Thursday, November 14 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. This year's event promises a vibrant celebration of immigrant heritage, featuring diverse cultural expressions that reflect the rich backgrounds of Connecticut's immigrant communities and the 2024 inductees.

The cultural program and keynote address will complement the induction of four exceptional individuals into the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame:

• Andre Blaszczynski; Professor of Business and Economics and former President of Solidarity International
• Azita Emami; Dean of the Yale School of Nursing
• James Michel; CEO of Access Health CT
• Esaul Rodriguez and Family; Founders of Puerto Vallarta Restaurants and philanthropists

The gala will feature performances showcasing the cultural tapestry of our nation, including:

• Cebastien Guirand is a Kompa Caribbean singer of Haitian origin playing in the USA. Guirand has already released various musical projects such as "I Am Ready," which can be viewed on YouTube and which is available on all streaming platforms.
• The Song and Dance Ensemble Polanie was established in 2006 by Hanna Deja and a group of individuals who were united by their strong passion for Polish folk culture. The main goal of this ensemble is to introduce and preserve beautiful folk culture through dance, song, and an original collection of colorful costumes. Polanie has been on stage in California, Canada, Poland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey, along with many local venues.
• The Spanish Community of Wallingford (SCOW) is the home to Mariachi Laureles del Monte and the Mexican Folkloric Alma de Mexico. Created in 2010 as the Mariachi Academy of Connecticut, it began as an after-school music program offered to the Hispanic children of Wallingford. In 2021 the school was re-established and renamed Mariachi Laureles del Monte, now directed by a mariachi harpist, Saul Olivas. The dance program was named Alma de Mexico and is instructed by Julieta Rodriguez. The Mariachi and Dance programs perform together and individually throughout the year in their full regalia for community and school events and special festivals and celebrations.
• Parmida Ziaei is an Iranian multidisciplinary artist based in Seattle. As a performer and choreographer, Parmida often brings together her training in various dance forms including Classical Persian dance and contemporary movement to create a unique movement style that is a representation of her merging identities and explores resilience, culture, and sociopolitical issues. In her teaching and choreography work, she is interested in cultivating and nurturing how each person's body embodies movement informed by their experiences to tell a story, express emotions, and show resilience.

"These performances will not only entertain but also educate our guests about the rich cultural traditions that our inductees bring to Connecticut," said Demetrios Giannaros, president of the National Immigrant Heritage Center. "It's a wonderful way to celebrate the diversity that makes our state and nation stronger."

Chris George, former Executive Director of IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services), will deliver the keynote address, adding his valuable perspective on immigrant contributions to our communities. The emcee for the induction ceremony will be Lucy Nalpathanchil, Vice President of Community Engagement for Connecticut Public and former host of the popular WNPR interview program and podcast Where We Live.

The IHHF Induction Gala will begin at 5:30 p.m. and includes a formal dinner, video presentations about each inductee, and cultural performances. The event celebrates the diverse ethnic heritage of our state and country by honoring individuals and institutions who exemplify the best of their immigrant heritage.

The IHHF is presented by the National Immigrant Heritage Center, an independent 501(c)3 organization established as a multi-ethnic Center, inclusive in its mission, structure and governance. NIHC aims to promote and publish research, lectures, and conferences on the many dimensions of Connecticut’s immigrant heritage and the role of immigration throughout the American economy and culture, to expand public awareness and understanding.

For more information about the event, and the inductees, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.immigrantheritage.org.