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Stay connected with International Institute of Buffalo happenings, news, interviews and other resources for the New American community and its supporters.

Somali Bantu Mural

New Mural Celebrates Somali Bantu Community

By News
International Institute of Buffalo joined Assemblymember Jon Rivera, Buffalo Common Council President David Rivera, representatives from Providence Farm Collective, and other stakeholders to unveil a dynamic new mural recognizing and celebrating Buffalo's Somali Bantu community. The vibrant art includes hues of radiant blue representing the rivers of Somalia, while colors of green and elements of the Somali flag and its…
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Good News

October 2024 Newsletter

By Newsletter
The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our October Newsletter. In this month's newsletter: Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi comments on why this next election is the most consequential in our lifetimes. Information on our next fundraiser, The Refugees of Comedy including the addition of Pulitzer Prize winner Adam Zyglis to the program! How you can…
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American flag

Know the Value of Immigrants and Refugees

By Education
Immigrants and refugees add to the vibrancy of our nation. As a nation of immigrants and refugees, America has been the historical destination of “huddled masses yearning to breathe free” and those who are persecuted for their race, religion, political opinion, gender, or social group. In these politically divisive times, it's easy to get distracted and swept up in the…
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People taking the oath of naturalization.

Dispelling Myths About Immigrants and Refugees

By Education
Myth: “Those countries are emptying their prisons and sending them here.” Truth: American immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than US-born people. Source: Cato Institute (February 2024) and Immigrants less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born: NPR- reporting on a study by The Marshall Project(March 2018) Why Are Immigrants’ Incarceration Rates So Low? Evidence On Selective Immigration, Deterrence, and…
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IIB's annual winter coat drive provides winter attire to our newly arrived refugee clients.

Donate Winter Coats to Help a Refugee Family!

By Donations
Buffalo winters can be brutal. Please help refugee families with your new or gently used winter coats. For many, this will be their first time experiencing cold weather! At this time, we're accepting donations of Men’s, Women’s, and Children’s Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large coats. For more information and to schedule your drop off, email our donations coordinator:  donations@iibuff.org There…
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IIB Design

Support IIB with Custom Designed Gear!

By Donations, News
Show your support for the International Insititute of Buffalo by purchasing gear sporting a design that celebrates Buffalo's history of welcoming people from around the globe. The design is inspired by the US Stars and Stripes and features buffalos representing 195 flags of countries and ethnic communities of the world. Twenty percent of the proceeds from each purchase will go…
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Singer Jon Secada

Jon Secada: Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

By Education
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the scientific, economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight three-time Grammy award winner Juan Francisco Secada Ramírez—professionally known as Jon Secada. Born October 4, 1961, in Havana, Cuba, Jon Secada spent his earliest years living amidst…
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