With the highly anticipated 2024 Olympics in Paris, France finally set to kick off with tonight’s opening ceremony, we’ll be taking time over the next 16 days to recognize world-class refugee and immigrant athletes who are competing or have competed for the U.S. National Team. But today, we’ll focus on a lesser-known entry that certainly deserves its flowers just the…
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At the International Institute of Buffalo, every day is World Refugee Day. Our mission is to welcome refugees, recognize their struggles, and work with them on their resettlement as they start a new chapter in their lives. Technically, June 20 is the day that the United Nations designated as World Refugee Day. It’s a time to pause and reflect on…
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In case you missed it, WIVB-TV Channel 4 recently asked Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi to discuss the Biden Administration’s new Executive Order on immigration. The order restricts access to asylum, which would take effect when U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions surpass a weekly average of 2,500 per day. The illegal crossings must go below a weekly average of 1,500 per day…
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In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who've helped shape America's vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight Emmy Award-winning actor Steven Yeun. Known professionally as Steven Yeun, Yeun Sang-Yeop was born in 1983 in South Korea. At four years old, he immigrated…
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In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight Olympic Champion and "father of surfing," Duke Kahanamoku. Duke Kahanamoku, born in 1890 in Hawaii, was a true product of his heritage. A native Hawaiian of Polynesian descent,…
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In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight South Korean American Chef Kristin Kish. Kristin Kish was born in December 1983 in Seoul, South Korea. After spending her first four months in different…
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International smarts, camaraderie, laughs, and much enthusiasm – results are officially in following another successful and festive Community World Trivia competition, hosted again this year on the Roswell Park campus. For the second year in a row, it took the tiebreaker round, but Team Sherlock Homies defended its 2023 win to come out on top to claim the title of…
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In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight trailblazing Japanese American and Academy Award-winning actress Miyoshi Umeki. Born in 1929 in Otaru, Japan, Miyoshi Umeki developed a love for music at an early age. She learned to play multiple…
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In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape America’s vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight Iraqi-American and former IIB client, Durgham Alyasiri. Durgham Alyasiri left Iraq as a young child, along with his mother, brother, and sister, after gaining temporary asylum in Jordan.…
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IIB Communications Director Gabe DiMaio spoke with WBFO's Jay Moran during Morning Edition recently to discuss the International Insititute of Buffalo's education mission and the fundraiser to support programs such as Model United Nations, Global Kids, and other global education and community programs, such as cultural competency training and IIB’s community lectures. These programs bring global perspectives to Western New…
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