Dear readers,
Before we get to the calendar, I wanted to share a few of 285 South’s latest stories.
Residents of Atlanta continue to feel the impact of Israel – Gaza war: The death toll in the region has climbed alarmingly, reaching nearly 10,000 dead: including over 8,500 Palestinians, and 1,400 Israelis. Kids in Metro Atlanta as young as 11 years old are struggling to make sense of the violence, and how to go about their daily lives. Read the 285 South story about a youth supported group at the Alif Institute.
And, a Palestinian American woman in Alpharetta spoke to 285 South, saying she was determined to make sure the names and faces of the people who have died, are remembered. Among them, several members of her extended family. Her story here.
Chinese seniors find a ‘home’ in Norcross: This fall, the Chinese Community Federation of Atlanta, opened its first ever physical office space since its founding 27 years ago. 285 spoke to seniors at the grand opening celebration of the office last Sunday, who were overjoyed to have a regular place to gather. The need to find an office had felt especially urgent after the Center for Pan Asian Community Services (CPACS), one of the Southeast’s largest and oldest Asian immigrant serving nonprofits, cut its programs for seniors in early 2023. Read the full story here.
Serving Atlanta’s Togolese community, and more: Spicy jollof rice, grilled lamb, and fufu are just a few of the items on the menu at Le Nouveau Maquis, a Togolese-owned restaurant in Stone Mountain; though, says co-owner Fabiola Agbale, “I stay away from saying that it’s a Togolese-only restaurant, because you want everybody to feel included in the food and the restaurant.” She spoke to 285 South about the inspiration for the restaurant, and her dreams of expanding it. Read the story here.
Lastly, voting. Early voting ends November 3 (this Friday) and election day is next Tuesday, November 7. Not sure who’s on your ballot and where to vote? Check out Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta’s voter guide, which is available in Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean, Urdu, and Chinese (I know!!).
Okay, on to the calendar. And as always, drop me a note if you have any suggestions for the calendar, story ideas, or anything else. You can reply to this email, or find me on Facebook or Instagram.
Friday, November 3
Resume Day: The Latin American Association is hosting an online workshop where you’ll learn how to build a resume, or improve your existing one. 11am – 2pm. More info and registration here.
Saturday, November 4
Know Your Rights Workshop: Worker and immigrant rights groups, including Sur Legal, AVLF, Mi Familia Vota, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta, are coming together to hold a workshop on interactions with ICE, renters rights, and workers’ rights. 10am – 1pm. 5950 Live Oak Parkway, Norcross, 30093. More info and registration here.
Chatting about the elections over coffee: The Asian American Advocacy Fund is gathering interested community members at Cafe Rothem to discuss voter education. 7pm – 9pm. Cafe Rothem, 3585 Peachtree Industrial Blvd #128, Duluth, 30096. More info and registration here.
Johns Creek Diwali Festival: Check out performances, a DJ, food and retail vendors, as well as a ‘special drone celebration’ at the Diwali festival in Johns Creek this weekend. 4pm – 7:30pm. 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek, 30093 (fields across from the Atlanta Athletic Club). More info here.
Sunday, November 5
Labor of Love Dumpling Fest and Fundraiser: The Asian American Advocacy Fund team will be in Chamblee, hosting a family friendly fundraising event featuring dumplings from different Asian cultures, dessert, and a drink. Tickets are $75 for adults, $30 for under 21, and free for kids under 4. 2pm – 6pm. The Factory Atlanta, 5616 New Peachtree Road, Chamblee, 30341. More info and registration here.
Sunday, November 19
Dia de Accion de Gracias: Plaza Fiesta will be marking Thanksgiving with an event featuring a free food and gift giveaway. 11am – 1pm. Plaza Fiesta, 4166 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, 30345. More info here.
Sunday, November 12
Diwali at Chai Pani: The Decatur-based restaurant is marking Diwali with a celebration featuring food and drink specials, henna, and a live DJ. 5pm – 10pm. 406 W Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, 30030. More info here.
Monday, November 20
‘Friendsgiving’: Clarkston-based Refuge Coffee is hosting its annual Thanksgiving event, and folks are encouraged to bring a dish to share and a friend to celebrate. 11am, 4170 E Ponce de Leon Ave, Clarkston, 30021. More info here.
