![Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, IIB executive director, offers comments about the importance of refugees to immigrants and refugees. at](/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Welcoming-Week-2022-Rizzo-Speech.jpg")
The International Institute of Buffalo, members of Buffalo’s refugee and immigrant community, Elected leaders, and others join for a ceremonial flag raising in Niagara Square, where he issued a proclamation in celebration of Welcoming Day, part of an annual celebration showcasing communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including refugees and immigrants. Welcoming Day is Buffalo’s local effort as part of Welcoming Week, which is celebrated from September 9th through September 18th, 2022.
Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.