January Events Calendar

Welcome to 2023! I think people are still settling back into their normal routines after the holidays, so we may be scant on events. As always, I’ll continue to update the calendar as I learn about more events/opportunities/resources.  Feel free to email me or message me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter with any tips.

Before we get started, I wanted to share my latest stories (ICYMI), both published in Atlanta Magazine:  Love Letter to a Pakistani Clothing Shop and if you turn to page 54 of the January issue of the print magazine, you’ll see the story of the incredible journey of Abu Talib, a Rohingya refugee, who recently became a U.S. citizen. I’ll also share it as soon as its posted online.

And – unrelated – but I wanted to update everyone: Nowshed Hossain, owner of the popular Bismillah Cafe (who I wrote about here), notified me recently that he has opened another restaurant: Grill King, at 5463 Buford Highway in Doraville.  True to its name, it’s focused on grilled and BBQ dishes. I plan to try it out this month and will let you know how it goes 🙂

Ok, on to events!  *Many people around the world, including here in Atlanta, are  are celebrating the Lunar New Year this month. I’ve included a few of the events below, but here’s a more comprehensive list.*

Saturday, January 7th

Clarkston Cares Food Pantry: Non-perishable food items and toiletries will be distributed at the Clarkston Community Center tomorrow (Saturday). 9:30am to 11:30am. Clarkston Community Center, 3017 College Avenue, Clarkston. More info here.

Sunday, January 8th

Three Kings Day: Dia de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day, marking the day the Three Wise Men arrived to give gifts to baby Jesus, is technically today, January 6th.  You can celebrate it with a traditional “Ring Cake” (similar to a sweet bread) this weekend at Plaza Fiesta. 2pm, Plaza Fiesta, 4166 Buford HWY NE Atlanta, GA 30345. More info here.

Wednesday, January 11th

El Refugio Information Session:  El Refugio, an organization that supports the loved ones of those detained at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, is hosting a virtual information session for those interested in learning about volunteering opportunities. 7pm, Zoom. More info here. Register here.

Saturday, January 21st

Johns Creek Lunar New Year Celebration: The city of Johns Creek is hosting a Lunar New Year event that will include performances, traditional food, and local vendors. 1-4 p.m, Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater, Newtown Park. 3150 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek, Georgia 30022. More info here.

Tết Festival:  Vietnamese communities celebrate the new year – known as Tết Nguyên Đán, which translates to “Festival of the First Day of the Year,” at Plaza de las Americas later this month. The Vietnamese American Community of Georgia is hosting, and the 2 day event will include a street food market, live dance performances, and karaoke. January 21st, 1pm-8pm; January 22nd 1pm-midnight, Plaza Las Americas, 733 Pleasant Hill Road, Lilburn. Details here.

Saturday, January 28th

Decatur’s Lunar New Year Festival:  You can also celebrate the Lunar New Year in Legacy Park in Decatur, which organizers describe as “Atlanta’s only Pan-Asian New Year celebration.” The event will feature customs from Vietnam, China, South Korea, and the Philippines. 1-5pm. Legacy Park, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA. More info here.

JOBS:

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice- Atlanta is hiring a supervising immigration attorney. Details here.
• Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN) is hiring a Director of Finance and Human Resources and a Staff Attorney. Details here.
• Refugee Women’s Network is hiring a Community Outreach Worker and Social Adjustment and Leadership Coordinator. Details here.
• New American Pathways has multiple positions posted, including Afterschool Program Driver, Family Violence Advocate, and Human Resource Generalist. Details here.