Madge Sinclair In honor of Black History Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable black immigrants and refugees who've helped shape America's vibrant tapestry. Today, we recognize Emmy award-winning Jamaican-American actress Madge Sinclair. Madge Dorita Sinclair was born Madge Dorita Walters in 1938 in Jamaica. After graduating from the Shortwood College for Women,…
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In case you missed it, a reporter for the flagship NPR station WNYC in New York City recently spoke with Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi to discuss the more than 1,000 refugees across the state left in limbo following the new federal administration’s freeze on funding, including for already contracted and completed work, to resettlement agencies doing integration. In the feature,…
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We were honored to welcome 30 New Americans from 15 countries while they took their citizenship oaths at the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in downtown Buffalo this morning. Here are the countries from which these new American citizens traveled: Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Burma, Canada, China, Congo(Kinshasa), Dominican Republic,…
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Dr. Nehkonti Adams In honor of Black History Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable black immigrants and refugees who've helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we highlight Dr. Lieutenant Commander Nehkonti Adams, an Infectious Disease Physician for the United States Navy and a humanitarian. Nehkonti Adams was born in Monrovia,…
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IIB would not be able to make WNY a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees were it not for the great people on our team and in the community.
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Alix Idrache In honor of Black History Month, we continue to recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of notable black immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today we highlight Alix Idrache, a Haitian-born Army captain and pilot who was vital in supporting relief efforts after the deadliest earthquake and natural disaster of 2021.…
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The International Institute of Buffalo (IIB), along with the other non-profits of The Refugee Partnership of Western New York, announced the creation of a Crisis Response Fund to cover suspended federal refugee resettlement funding due to the U.S. Department of State stop work order. The goal is to raise $1.5 million by the end of the day on Friday, March …
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We were honored to welcome 50 New Americans from 25 countries while they took their citizenship oaths at the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony in downtown Buffalo this morning. Here are the countries from which these new American citizens traveled: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Burundi Canada, Congo, Dominican Republic, Eritrea, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Iraq, Jamaica, Kenya, South Korea, …
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Michaela DePrince In honor of Black History Month, we will recognize the economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential black immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight Sierra Leonean–American ballerina and humanitarian Michaela DePrince, a standout soloist with the Boston Ballet and Dutch National Ballet. Michaela DePrince was born Mabinty Bangura,…
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The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our January Newsletter. In this month's newsletter: Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi on the Dark Times Ahead for Immigrants and Refugees IIB in the News Winter Weather Safety Info in 13 Languages A Spotlight on the People who make IIB great Welcoming Our Newest American Citizens Donations and Volunteer…
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