Hi 285 South friends,
I hope you enjoyed the slightly chilly weekend. For those of you who honored Mother’s Day in some way over the weekend, I hope it was meaningful.
In Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th (today!). It's a tradition that was introduced 100 years ago by Mexican journalist Rafael Alducin. To mark it, there will be a mariachi band playing in Plaza Fiesta at 4pm this afternoon (details here).
First, before we begin - a quick survey plug. As I mentioned last week, this summer I'm launching a premium membership, which will give readers both the opportunity to help sustain 285 South as a free publication, and will provide more ways to get more involved. But first, I need to hear from you. If you haven’t had a chance to fill it out, please take a few minutes to help me learn how 285 South can better serve you! Survey link here. I’m reading everything carefully and it’s truly helping to inform the development of 285 South!
Okay, let’s get started.
News
$800K Federal Grant to support immigrant businesses in Atlanta: Omar Shekhey of the Somali American Center told me his organization has received $100,000 in federal funds, which will be used over the next two years to support at least 25 local businesses with loan applications, marketing and technical support. The Somali American Center is among a group of nonprofits recieving a total of $800K, as part of the American Rescue Plan, to help support immigrant run businesses who were impacted by the pandemic. Shekhey told the AJC that many people didn’t get assistance during the pandemic “simply because they didn’t speak the language, they didn’t know how to fill up the forms, they didn’t know where to go.” Read this story in the AJC to learn more.
Closing the digital divide in Hispanic communities: Nationwide, Latinx community members make up 14% of the workforce yet represent 35% of workers with no digital skills, according to a statement from Comcast. The Latin American Association, a community non-profit headquartered on Buford Highway, has received $30,000 from Comcast and the Hispanic Federation and the money will go towards addressing that disparity by offering more digital workforce training opportunities for community members. Read the story here.
Opportunities for first generation college students: Summer is just around the corner, and for many college students, that means it's time to secure an internship. 285 South’s Ayoko Kodjovi writes about the challenges many first generation college students from immigrant backgrounds can face on the path to a well-paying job, and provides some tips on where to look for support. Read: 285 South Youth Voices: How internships + career prep can make a difference.
On the calendar this week: The Gwinnett Multicultural Festival is this Saturday, May 14th, from 10am-2pm. Expect traditional dances, bouncy houses, and more. Also on Saturday, is the Clarkston Summit 2022 - an afternoon event hosted by the Prevention Research Center at Georgia State University focused on understanding and coming together to meet the needs of the city’s diverse communities. More details here. And on Sunday, Atlanta Muslim Hub is hosting an Eid Festival in Peachtree Corners. More info here.
My hand getting henna/mehndi put on it at the first ever Middle Eastern and South Asian Spring Festival in Decatur last weekend, hosted by City Schools of Decatur PTA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committees.
And finally, Snackboxe Bistro’s new restaurant in Duluth is officially opening: - The popular Lao restaurant is opening its second location for dine-in service in Duluth on Friday, May 13th. I can personally vouch for the coconut rice and tofu laap! And in case you missed it, I wrote about what originally inspired owner Thip Athakhanh to open Snackboxe in this piece for The Local Palate. Details on the opening here.
That’s all from me for now - I’ll see you here at the end of the week.
Enjoy the sunshine,
Sophia
