Welcoming New Americans
An event whose time has come burst on the local scene last night at the Doubletree Hotel. Around 100 people attended the first annual Celebration of New Americans Dinner, and the indications seem to be that next year’s dinner will be even bigger and better. As a member of the planning committee, I was relieved by the turnout, but was most gratified that we were able to achieve our goal of celebrating, honoring and welcoming our newest immigrant group, the Africans (now numbering 7,000 in Greater Lowell). The speakers were immigrants themselves, Cambodian, Portuguese, and of course African. One speaker from Puerto Rico is not technically an immigrant, but her experiences with language and cultural barriers were similar. In fact, while all of them had a different experience to recount, it was the similarities that I noticed. They all realized how lucky they were to be in this country and they all spoke eloquently about the great opportunities for education and advancement that this country provides, and which they have eagerly taken advantage of. Our Cambodian speaker, Phala Chea, entered school for the first time when she was 9 years old and now holds a PhD, as well as serving as coordinator of the Lowell Schools Parent Information Center. As Master of Ceremonies Bowa Tucker from Sierra Leone pointed out, Ms. Chea is a role model for himself and many others. She spoke sorrowfully of those left behind who never had a chance at success and happiness and how she sometimes can’t believe she is here in Lowell, living this life. Several of the African speakers told of wars that had been going on for 15 years. I think everyone in the audience was thinking the same thing, that we are all lucky to be living here and having the chances we’ve had. The event gave us a chance to hear these immigrant stories and reflect on our own which was the vision that Cecilia Okafor, Executive Director of the African Assistance Center, had when she first came up with this idea.
The greatest thanks go to Sovereign Bank and Lowell Community Health Center whose sponsorship allowed us to offer discounted tickets at the door, making the dinner truly inclusive. Additional help was provided by those groups who purchased tables: Enterprise Bank, the Citywide Parent Council, the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, the Lowell Public Schools and the Lowell Community Charter Public School. By purchasing a table and leaving some open seats, we were able to invite more people from the immigrant communities to attend at no charge. The African music by Kenyan singer, JP, was infectious and had several people up on the stage dancing and clapping.
Finally, we want to acknowledge the presence and support of the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Karla Brooks Baehr, who came with many of her staff. Elected officials on hand were school committee member Jackie Doherty and Dick Howe, Jr. both wearing their Citywide Parent Council hats. The seemingly tireless congressional candidate Niki Tsongas made an appearance enroute to an event in Lawrence and city council candidates Joe Mendonca and Mehmed Ali also attended.