Welcoming Week celebrates the growing movement of inclusive communities that fully embrace immigrants and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. With over 25,000 foreign-born individuals living in Champaign County, we all need different opportunities to engage, build mutual understanding and raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming all! The 2024 community-wide celebration will take place Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 22, and feature dozens of fun, family-centered events.
Events & Activities
We're All In Kickoff Party
September 13 at 6:00 PM
Lincoln Square Mall
Join NAWC to kick-off Welcoming Week with local performers, food, and booths from local businesses and services.
Prairie Stories
September 14 at 12:00 PM
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
There will be hands-on activities as well as the opportunity to view artisian demonstrations.
Human Library: Showcasing Human "Books" From Around the World
September 14 at 3:30 PM
210 W Green St., Champaign
Inspired by Human Libraries, meet area neighbors who moved here from other countries and celebrate the diverse origins of everyone in our community! Each station will feature a neighbor from a specific country where you can learn about different aspects of that country, such as culture, language, and cuisine, or ask other questions! Cosponsored by the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs and Illinois International: Office of Global Relations as part of Welcoming Week.
Harmony Through Beads: A Vibrant Tapestry of Global Diversity
September 14 at 6:30 PM
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Join us for the third Harmony Through Beads workshop, where we’ll dive into the art of beadwork, explore artistic beading techniques and continue co-creating our community beading mural. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of our vibrant community!
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration
September 14 at 6:30 PM
Levis Faculty Center
A cultural celebration and art showcase.
LaTasha Barnes presents The Jazz Continuum
September 14 at 7:30 PM
500 S Goodwin Ave.
A collective of 18 dance and music performers come together to offer a continuum of "mind-bending musicality, spectacular athleticism and boundless joy."
Community Health Fair (Feria de Salud)
September 15 at 11:00 AM
The Romero Center: 612 E Park St, Champaign, IL 61820
Celebrating Latin American independence and Inspiring healthy choices.
Welcoming Week Celebration and Cake Walk
September 15 at 2:00 PM
210 W Green St., Champaign
Join the Immigration Project, the Urbana Park District, Project READ, and the Library to enjoy activities for all ages, try to win a sweet treat, and learn more about the organizations.
El Grito
September 15 at 6:30 PM
El Grito Illinois
A celebration of Mexican Independence Day for Champaign County.
Steps to Starting a Business
September 16 at 1:00 PM
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (Main Conference Room): 201 W. Kenyon Road, Champaign, IL 61820
Are you looking to start your business in Illinois? In partnership with the City of Champaign and The Refugee Center, you’re invited to join us for a 30-minute workshop, specially tailored for Welcoming Week, that will quickly guide you through the essential steps to legally start your business in Illinois. Attendees will also hear from Janel Gomez, Community Relations Manager & Compliance Officer with the City of Champaign.
Community Job Fair
September 16 at 5:30 PM
Champaign Public Library; 200 W. Green Street, Champaign
Local career coaches and employment services will help community members find their next job!
Urbana, We're All In!
September 17 at 9:00 AM
Urbana City Hall, 400 South Vine Street
Enjoy Cloud Mountain Kombucha, Baldarotta’s Sicilian Cookies, and Bakelab Coffee with the Mayor
Nuestra música, nuestra cultura: Latines in the U.S.A. and Illinois, Catalina Maria Johnson, Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speaker, followed by Ballet Folklórico
September 17 at 3:00 PM
Independent Media Center (IMC!): 202 S. Broadway Avenue, Suite 100, Urbana
Catalina Maria Johnson, Ph.D., is a music journalist passionate about sharing Latinx culture, history, and influence through music. She is an enthusiastic and creative speaker who has been a speaker and panelist for programs at universities, libraries, and schools for at least 15 years. Her presentations address language, music, cultural studies, history, Latinx history and culture, and similar topics.
International Family Game Time
September 17 at 4:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church: 302 W. Church Street, Champaign
Join folks of all ages and nations for fellowship and lots of laughter as we try out a variety of active games together.
Government 101
September 18 at 11:00 AM
Champaign Public Library: 200 W Green St
Provide new arrivals a holistic view of City government by allowing them to speak to those that run different areas of the government.
Sky Tales: Chinese Kite Crafts and Storywalk
September 19 at 10:00 AM
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve
Embark on the enchanting StoryWalk at Lake of the Woods, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant tale of the Chinese Kite Festival! Afterward, let creativity take flight as we return to the Museum of the Grand Prairie for a delightful story-inspired craft!
Champaign County History Museum Open House
September 19 at 1:00 PM
102 E University Ave, Champaign
Open house at the museum.
Smile Bright Bingo Night
September 19 at 5:30 PM
1401 S. State St, Suite B, Champaign, IL 61821
Bring the kids for a fun dental bingo adventure. Win fun prizes & free dental supplies!
Friday Night Film Club
September 20
Independent Media Center (IMC!): 202 S Broadway, Suite 100, Urbana
Friday Night Film Club at the IMC!
Immigrant Family Services Program | Gift Card Application
September 21 at 9:00 AM
Lincoln Square Mall: 301 S. Vine Street, Suite 102, Urbana
The New American Welcome Center of the University YMCA is organizing an event to help new arrivals applying to receive a gift card, explaining requirements and eligibility. During the event new arrivals will receive the information they may need to make Champaign County they home.
“Our Words, Our Truths: Storytelling for Connection and Hope,” Ada Cheng, Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speaker
September 21 at 1:00 PM
Lincoln Square Mall: 301 S. Vine Street, Suite 102, Urbana
Storyteller Ada Cheng mixes personal narrative and history to engage audiences in the experiences of Asian Americans and immigrants and uncover truths about the urgent social concerns of our time. Ada is a dynamic public speaker with decades of experience and is adept at adapting her presentations to different audiences to create an engaging and educational experience for all. She has a deep commitment to public education, the arts, and performing, all of which allow her to present information with creativity and passion.
Welcoming Week Closing Festival "An Immigrant Owned Business Showcase”
September 21 at 5:00 PM
Market St. between University Ave and Main St.
Closing event hosted by the City of Champaign, featuring business showcase 2024 participants. Events include: Food Trucks, Food Vendors, Business Vendors, Live Entertainment
11th Annual Immigrant Welcome Awards
September 22 at 1:30 PM
The Urbana Free Library: 210 W. Green Street, Urbana
An awards ceremony held in recongnition of the efforts of local organizations and individuals that have created a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants.
The New American Welcome Center works to co-create a community where all immigrants can thrive and flourish. They do this by engaging local institutions and mobilizing community resources to ensure equitable access to services, economic opportunity, and meaningful belonging.
