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Hamtramck City Council welcomes immigrants
On Tuesday night October 23rd, 2012, the Hamtramck City Council passed a resolution “affirming that the City of Hamtramck is a welcoming community and respects the innate dignity of all people.” The resolution is supported by the local Welcoming Michigan leadership committee, made up of Hamtramck residents and representatives from faith institutions, law enforcement, social services, and education.
The committee has worked hard over the past eight months to connect U.S.-born residents with their new neighbors from other countries through film screenings, discussions, Kite Day, citizenship workshops, and a Public Safety Day festival.
“Immigrants are and always have been key to what makes Hamtramck a wonderful community,” says Hamtramck Chief of Police Maxwell Garbarino. “Welcoming Michigan’s endeavors are excellent to help support that tradition and to help make them feel more welcome here, now, and always.”
The resolution urges residents to join in lifting up the City of Hamtramck as a welcoming environment for all. The Welcoming Hamtramck committee is asking city residents to come out to the council meeting to show support for the resolution and for their new neighbors. Community members can also visit the Welcoming Michigan website, welcomingmichigan.org, to learn more and get involved.
“We encourage everyone to start by talking to their neighbor,” says Christine Sauvé of Welcoming Michigan. “Then share your personal story with us and join the conversation on our Facebook page.”
Welcoming Michigan is a statewide immigrant integration initiative of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center that aims to foster mutual respect and understanding among immigrant and non-immigrant Michiganders. Since officially launching in May, the program has made great strides in connecting residents, hosting over 20 events and posting two billboards.
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