A Decade of Celebration: I Stand With Immigrants Initiative Marks June as Immigrant Heritage Month

10th Annual IHM To Feature Virtual Celebrations Nationwide & In-Person Events in Los Angeles and Detroit

 

​​WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the I Stand With Immigrants Initiative celebrated the launch of Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM) 2023, a nationwide effort throughout June to gather and share the inspirational stories of immigrants and the unique, diverse heritage of millions of people across America. Marking the tenth year of celebration since the initiative began, IHM 2023 will feature in-person events in Los Angeles and Detroit, as well as virtual celebrations nationwide.

This year, the campaign released a new video, “We Stand With Immigrants,” to celebrate the launch of the month. The video features artists and their loved ones – including Frankie Grande, Carlacia Grant, Loni Love, Isaac Ordonez, Karla Souza, Gina Torres, and many others – sharing what makes them proud about their own heritage and the value of our collective recognition of everyone’s unique story. Additionally, celebrated photographer Bethany Mollenkof contributed beautiful images of artists that will be shared throughout IHM. 

The White House is also joining in celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month, with President Biden releasing a proclamation today announcing that America is more than a place; it is an idea.  It is the idea that everyone is created equal and deserves to be treated equally throughout their lives …That is what has drawn people to our shores for centuries.  It is what makes us who we are.  And that very idea of America has been advanced by immigrants from every part of the world — my ancestors and yours.  Their dreams built America, and during National Immigrant Heritage Month, we celebrate their courage.

Art is at the forefront of this year’s in-person events with free, open to the public community art installations in each of the three cities. The first #CelebrateImmigrants installation will take place in Los Angeles on June 4 at Smorgasburg LA. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their heritage or that of a loved one by placing a flag on the “WE <3 LA” display. A “WE <3 DET” installation will then pop up in Detroit on June 9 in Cadillac Square Park.

Since June of 2014, Immigrant Heritage Month has explored the idea that everyone has a piece in the larger American story, whether as a person indigenous to this land, a descendant of enslaved people, or any one of many who came to the U.S. in search of a better life. IHM seeks to give people across the United States an opportunity annually to explore their own heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America.

“We are proud to celebrate the tenth annual Immigrant Heritage Month this June, with opportunities to share stories and mark the occasion across the country, both virtually and in person,” said Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us. “We are so thankful and excited to see family, friends, and colleagues gather to celebrate their unique immigrant stories, offering a reminder of our strength as a nation when we work and celebrate together.”

To learn more or participate in upcoming Immigrant Heritage Month events, please visit https://www.iamanimmigrant.com/.

About Immigrant Heritage Month: Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM) is a nationwide celebration of immigration held every June. IHM is powered by FWD.us Education Fund and is part of an ongoing effort to empower immigrants and allies to share stories and drive action that demonstrate how immigration is good for our communities, economy, and country. IHM also works to provide new avenues for individuals and organizations to support immigrants in their communities and workplaces during June and throughout the year. For more information, visit https://www.iamanimmigrant.com/.  

 

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