Hi 285 South friends,
Hope you all have been doing okay. It finally feels like it’s warm for real now (my flowers had a fright from those random blasts of cold earlier this month!). There seem to be spring festivals everywhere and the end of Ramadan is just around the corner (check out some of the 285 South iftar reviews, one of Palestinian food at Ameer’s Grill and Bangladeshi food at Bismillah cafe).
Okay, let’s get started.
News:
Ukrainians in Atlanta hope to be reunited with family members soon: The Department of Homeland Security is expected to begin accepting applications for Ukrainians in the U.S. to sponsor family members. That’s good news for Anton Kilpa, and others, who’s been trying to bring their family here. Read the AJC’s story here.
Gwinnett school ranked nationally: U.S. News has ranked Gwinnett School of Math, Science and Technology (GSCMT) as 9th in the nation among the 17,800 high schools ranked. Why am I bringing this up? Not only is the Lawrenceville based school among the top ranked in the nation, it is also incredibly diverse - it has over 84 percent minority student enrollment - 47 percent of which are Asian, 22 percent are Black, and 10 percent are Hispanic. Read the story here.
Pakistanis rally in Atlanta: An uncommon sight in Decatur Square on Sunday: a sea of white and green flags and chanting in support of Imran Khan, Pakistan’s ousted Prime Minister. Recent political events in Pakistan have stirred emotions both within the country, and throughout the diaspora, including in metro Atlanta’s growing Pakistani community. For many in the metro area's immigrant communities, its politics back home that is sometimes at the forefront of people's minds. Read more in the latest 285 South story here.
Pakistanis gathered in Decatur Square on Sunday to show support for ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.
And a few events + resources to keep in mind this week:
Virtual Civics Chat on the Georgia Primaries: Los Vecinos de Buford Highway is having a virtual chat about the upcoming primaries - who’s on the ballot and what they do. Tuesday, April 26th (today). 7pm. Details here.
COVID Vaccine + $50 gift cards: The Center for Pan Asian Community services will be at the Santa Fe Mall (as it is every Wednesday), giving first and second doses of COVID vaccines and $50 for those who fill out a survey after getting their dose. Wednesday, April 27th. 1pm -5pm. Santa Fe Mall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096. Details here.
Reading as Resistance Book Club: Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta is hosting a book club centered around building “a political home for radical Viets in the South.” The first book on the list - “The Selected Works of Hồ Chí Minh.” Registration deadline is April 27th (register here) and more info here.
Dia De Los Ninos Festival: The Mexican Consulate is hosting a festival this weekend that will feature clowns, theater, music AND free health services like vaccines, flu shots, and blood pressure and glucose screenings. Saturday, April 30th. 10am- 3pm. 1700 Chantilly Drive NE, Atlanta, 30324. Details here.
Spring Market in Clarkston: Refugee Coffee Co. in Clarkston is hosting its annual Spring Market, featuring vendors originating from around the world and local start ups with food, arts and crafts. Saturday, April 30th. 9am - 4pm. Details here.
That's all from me for now - I'll see you here later this week!
-Sophia
