Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect

Rights, Resources & Resilience is a panel discussion presented during Welcoming Week that explores topics related to immigrant safety, community resources, and resilience. Attendees will hear from local panelists who will share information, perspectives, and resources designed to support and empower immigrant community members.

Celebrate National Immigrant Welcoming Week at Krannert Art Museum! The museum is always free and open to all, with galleries open Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m. while classes are in session, and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visitors can explore a range of exhibitions, including Fragmented Histories: Andean Art Before 1600, Stitching Ecologies: The Urbana-Champaign Crochet Coral Reef, Centering Clay: Connection and Innovation in American Studio Ceramics, and permanent collections. Special Welcoming Week programming includes Exploración Artística para Familias on September 10, a bilingual (Spanish/English) evening of gallery exploration and hands-on artmaking inspired by Fragmented Histories and Stitching Ecologies.

Join us for an evening with award-winning author Sonali Dev! USA Today bestselling author Sonali Dev's novels have been named Best Books of the Year by Library Journal, NPR, The Washington Post, and Kirkus. She has won the American Library Association's award for best in genre, the RT Reviewer Choice Award, multiple RT Seals of Excellence, has been a RITA® finalist, and has been listed for the Dublin Literary Award. Dev commonly blends American and Indian cultures in her works, often with an emphasis on Bollywood style. Her characters come from a variety of backgrounds and fall all along the spectrum of wealth. Some of her characters experience discrimination due to their race, gender, and culture.

Celebrating the numerous community murals and work of Jose Vazquez and the spirit of welcome, with live music and good food.

Celebrate National Immigrant Welcoming Week at Krannert Art Museum! The museum is always free and open to all, with galleries open Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m. while classes are in session, and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visitors can explore a range of exhibitions, including Fragmented Histories: Andean Art Before 1600, Stitching Ecologies: The Urbana-Champaign Crochet Coral Reef, Centering Clay: Connection and Innovation in American Studio Ceramics, and permanent collections. Visitors can enjoy a Noontime Gallery Talk & Tour on September 11.

Join us for the official welcoming week kickoff party! Enjoy free food from local immigrant-owned businesses, experience cross-cultural performances, and learn how to get involved in building a welcoming C-U community year round. All ages welcome.

Conversation Café is a twice monthly program where language learners of all levels can practice their conversational skills. English, Spanish, and French are the target languages spoken by most attendees. Those looking to practice other languages are welcome, but may want to bring a friend to practice with. Light snacks, drinks, conversation topics, games, and activities for children will all be provided. This is a free program with no registration required. All are welcome!

A mental wellness event on managing stress and anxiety related to our current administration, cost of living, etc.

Join us for a fun-filled and educational afternoon in celebrating Latin American independence and Inspiring healthy choices. This event features many organizations across Central Illinois who will discuss the many ways they can help support making healthy lifestyle choices. We also provide blood pressure, lipid, and blood sugar screenings. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to everyone.

The Human Library® first originated from Denmark but is now held by libraries all over the world. Since 2023, The University Library Mortenson Center, in collaboration with the New American Welcome Center, The Urbana Free Library and Illinois International - Global Relations have held a Human Library Event as part of the events featured during National Welcoming Week. The event features immigrants and international students living in Champaign-Urbana as human books. Each human “book” is available during the event to interact with “readers” and talk to them about their native country or culture. Topics covered in the conversations include among others geographic location, cuisine, languages and culture. This is a family-friendly event, open to the public and snacks, arts & crafts are offered as part of the event.

This Sunday afternoon join local Latinos in celebrating with games, food and a stage with singing and ballet folklorico. Calle Verde and the colorful Carnavaleros will make sure everyone dances.

Join us to celebrate a wonderful evening filled of Maya culture and knowledge. This event will showcase traditional Maya dress from the different regions of Guatemala. Pixan Q'anej, the host, will share the stories that our clothing and designs carry. We share and celebrate our culture, clothing and language by showcasing the distinct traditional regional weave along side the newer designs.

Come to Urbana City Hall and meet your City Leaders. While here, have light fare and beverages out on Urbana City Hall's South Lawn. Meet our Mayor, Chief of Police, our Fire Chief, and other Department Heads who work for YOU! We will have valuable information for you to take with you and share with your family, friends, and neighbors. All are welcome in Urbana!

College students who are undocumented experience unique challenges in higher education. Join university staff, student leaders, and faculty to learn to better support undocumented students at Illinois. This training is an opportunity to hear from undocumented students and join a network of campus allies. For more information, visit open.illinois.edu.

Join the Illinois Coalition Assisting Undocumented Students' Education (I-CAUSE) for an educational event exploring the experiences of undocumented and non-citizen students in higher education. Learn about recent challenges stemming from changes in federal policy, as well as the resources available at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to support student success. Enjoy complimentary treats, participate in a reflective craft activity on identity and systemic barriers, and unwind with slime- and stress ball-making while connecting with fellow attendees in a welcoming, supportive community.

Join us for a free Understanding Credit Money Skills workshop during Welcoming Week. Participants will learn how credit works, what affects a credit score, and practical steps for building and protecting credit. The session will offer clear, useful information in a welcoming environment where participants can ask questions and strengthen their financial confidence. This event is open to community members at any stage of their financial journey.

Games outdoors and in with food treats. Family friendly. Always a full house.

Local career coaches and employment services will be on site to help you land your next job! Free and open to everyone. Whether you are seeking part-time opportunities, new to the community, changing careers, or just want to see what's out there, we want to help! Enter for a chance to win a Chromebook or a gift card to Macy's for fresh interview attire!

Inspired by our newest exhibit, The Art of Making: Tools and Traditions of Handiwork, the Museum of the Grand Prairie is hosting a special event celebrating the stories behind handmade objects. Explore pieces from the museum's collection and learn about the tools and traditions used to create them. Visitors are also invited to bring their own handiwork, tools, or creative traditions to share- highlighting the skills, memories, and cultures that shape our community.

Unidas Seremos Mas Fuertes is a group of women who enjoy crafting and connecting with one another. Please join us and learn to make a beautiful craft, make some friends, and eat a delicious meal. Kids are welcome and will have their own activities. This group is free to women and their children.

The infectious rhythms of Puerto Rico will have you dancing in your seat when Cultura Pesá takes the stage in this free concert in the lobby of Krannert Center. Founder Jomar Santos shares his passion for the cuatro—the 10-stringed, guitar-like national instrument of Puerto Rico. Cultura Pesá connects young people to their cultural heritage, empowering a new generation of musicians to enjoy and share bomba, plena, salsa, seises, and aguinaldos musical styles with joy and passion.

If you're a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, join us for an informative presentation with Erik Castelan, Latino Business Development Specialist, from Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity - Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3). OE3 advocates for equitable economic opportunities across the state of Illinois for minorities-, women-, veteran-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, eligible not-for-profit corporations, and other underserved communities. Erik will be sharing funding opportunities and resources available throughout the State of Illinois to business owners including business grants, state loans, technical assistance, and how to register with the State of Illinois GATA portal to pre-qualify for DCEO grants. This in-person event is offered at no cost. (English-language session.)

If you're a business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, join us for an informative presentation with Erik Castelan, Latino Business Development Specialist, from Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity - Office of Economic Equity & Empowerment (OE3). OE3 advocates for equitable economic opportunities across the state of Illinois for minorities-, women-, veteran-owned businesses, businesses owned by persons with disabilities, eligible not-for-profit corporations, and other underserved communities. Erik will be sharing funding opportunities and resources available throughout the State of Illinois to business owners including business grants, state loans, technical assistance, and how to register with the State of Illinois GATA portal to pre-qualify for DCEO grants. This in-person event is offered at no cost. (Spanish-language session.)

Join Urbana Park District and CCRP's Head Start for a morning of fun with a welcoming family-friendly playgroup that includes art, imaginative play, books, social time, and pop-up learning! Connect with other adults and toddlers while enjoying coffee, snacks, and activities. The best part? We clean up the mess!

Join us for a sweet treat and a friendly hello! Enjoy a scoop of ice cream and connect with others in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're new to the area or a lifelong resident, this is the perfect chance to meet university staff, meet new people, and enjoy some casual conversation. No agenda—just smiles, scoops, and good vibes. All are welcome! This event is part of YMCA Welcoming Week.

Participants can exchange ideas and share examples of challenges that are priorities.

Join us for a free outdoor concert celebrating Welcoming Week! Enjoy an evening of live music, community, and connection as we celebrate the many cultures, backgrounds, and experiences that make our community stronger. This family-friendly event is free and open to everyone. Bring your friends, family, or neighbors, meet someone new, and celebrate all the people who call our community home.

Celebrate National Immigrant Welcoming Week at Krannert Art Museum! The museum is always free and open to all, with galleries open Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m. while classes are in session, and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visitors can explore a range of exhibitions, including Fragmented Histories: Andean Art Before 1600, Stitching Ecologies: The Urbana-Champaign Crochet Coral Reef, Centering Clay: Connection and Innovation in American Studio Ceramics, and permanent collections. Visitors can enjoy an Artist Talk & Tour with Catherine Weisener in Centering Clay on September 19.

Come celebrate the diversity of cultures and people who make up our community. The Immigrant Welcome Awards recognizes leadership within our immigrant communities as well as individuals and organizations that have created a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants in Champaign County. The awards honor those who have made significant contributions, taken risks, and have provided leadership for the well-being and success of immigrants. A cultural performance will be included at the intermission. As we celebrate the accomplishments of local immigrants from diverse areas of the world, we make our local community more aware of the positive contributions immigrants bring to our community and also promote and affirm the process of continuing to welcome immigrants. Afterwards we will have food on the main floor of the library and opportunities for conversation for whomever can stay. Awards: 1:30–3pm. Reception: 3–5pm.