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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.

Feb 27
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Sign Reads "Update"

February 2025 Newsletter

By Newsletter
The latest from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our February Newsletter. In this month's newsletter: Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi on how things are worse than we thought they would be with the new administration IIB in the News Winter Weather Safety Info in 13 Languages A Spotlight on the People who make IIB great Welcoming Our…
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Feb 25
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Madge Sinclair: Black History Month and Recognizing Notable Black Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, History
 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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Feb 21
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Rizzo-Choi Talks Federal Funding Freeze with WNYC

By In the Community, Media Mentions, News
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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Feb 20
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IIB Welcomes 30 New Americans from 15 Countries!

By In the Community, News
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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Feb 18
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Dr. Nehkonti Adams: Black History Month and Recognizing Notable Black Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, History
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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Feb 10
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Alix Idrache: Black History Month and Recognizing Notable Black Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, History
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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Feb 07
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The Federal Government Broke Its Promise. Now, Refugees Need Your Help!

By News
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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Feb 05
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IIB Welcomes 50 New Americans from 25 Countries!

By In the Community, News
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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Feb 03
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Michaela DePrince: Black History Month and Recognizing Notable Black Immigrants and Refugees

By Education, History
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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