Immigration & Community: Mercyhurst event sparks dialogue on Erie’s future

New Americans

Mercyhurst University’s daylong mini-conference on Saturday, April 5, offers a deep dive into the theme of “Moving Forward Together: Erie and Immigration.” Running from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event kicks off with registration and a continental breakfast in the Waterford Room of Ryan Hall, followed by sessions at various campus locations.

“We are hosting this conference to align with this year’s academic theme of immigration while fostering a meaningful discussion on the intersection of community engagement and immigration in Erie,” explained Bethany Woods, director of Academic Community Engagement. “Through this event, we aim to bring together diverse perspectives, encourage collaboration, and explore ways to support and strengthen our community.”

The conference is free, offers ACT 48 credits and LSW CEUs for participants, and includes breakfast and lunch. The day concludes with an Erie ethnic market tour downtown. Registration is required. (Deadline has been extended through Friday, March 28.)

Breakout sessions are planned throughout the day. Among them are a focus on English as a Second Language (ESL) for New Americans, Meeting the Needs of New Americans, Celebrating Immigrant Culture, How Erie Schools are Serving New American Children, Health Care Concerns, and The Cultural, Academic, and Economic Benefits of Immigrants in our Community.

Following the morning sessions, lunch and a special presentation will be held in the Waterford Room. Participants will view a short film on “Rustbelt New Americans” about a group of immigrants and refugees who have settled in Erie and their stories of economic revitalization and community building. A panel discussion will follow with a couple of the individuals featured in the film.

The day ends with a tour of Erie’s ethnic markets from 2 to 4 p.m. Transportation will be provided to various locations, including Almadina Supermarket and Fadak International Food Market. Visits will allow participants to interact with the store owners and explore the offerings, learning more about the impact these markets have on the different communities in Erie.

The conference is supported by a grant from the Partners for Campus-Community Engagement and a Mercyhurst Academic Theme grant, with additional sponsor support from The SCRIPT Project and Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Special thanks to Mercyhurst Conference and Events and faculty liaison for community engagement Dr. Alice Edwards.

PHOTO: Mercyhurst welcomes new Americans during recent proceedings at U.S. Court House.