Refugee/Immigrant Celebration In Portland March 16

From Portland Parks & Recreation: Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) presents the Portlanders Stand with Refugees and Immigrants celebration on Friday, March 16, 2018, at PP&R’s East Portland Community Center.

All are welcome to the free, multicultural community gathering to celebrate people new to Portland — and to the United States — and to help them feel welcomed.

What: Portlanders Stand with Refugees and Immigrants – a free, multicultural community event with dancing, live performances, music, food, and fun

Where: East Portland Community Center — 740 S.E. 106th Ave.

When: Friday, March 16, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Facebook event link is available here.

“Portlanders strive to show compassion, generosity, and support in welcoming refugee and immigrant families to our city,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “Portland Parks & Recreation community centers, programs, and parks are places where all are welcome. Though we face much uncertainty, it is our unity that will allow us to persevere. This event gives us an opportunity to come together, demonstrate that unity, and give reassurance of our shared values.”

The free Portlanders Stand with Refugees & Immigrants event is a public celebration which includes multicultural music and dance performances. Enjoy food carts on site, serving throughout the event.

“Now more than ever we need to show members of immigrant and refugee communities that we support them and that we work to heal, honor, and embrace their families,” says Portland Parks & Recreation Director Mike Abbaté. “This is the United States of America, and this is Portland, Oregon where we provide a welcoming and supportive environment in all PP&R’s programs and facilities - for everyone. And Portland Parks & Recreation will continue to do so.”

Portland Parks & Recreation, via the Parks for New Portlanders program, also hosts events such as the Portland World Cup Soccer Tournament, and New Portlanders Cultural Celebration and Family Day.

These events are often many newcomers’ first experiences with their City government, and helps people new to Portland access Portland Parks & Recreation offerings and other City services.

Portland Parks & Recreation welcomes people from all races, religions, countries of origin, sexual orientations, genders and abilities.

The #WeStandTogether poster is available in English and 14 other languages.

Images via Dave F. Ashton/East Portland News, Portland Parks & Recreation