Estamos Aqui Festival, Dragon Boats at Lake Lanier, and a Career Fair.
Plus: local impact + generosity at Bismillah Cafe.
Dear 285 South readers,
Before we get to events, I wanted to share a few exciting things about how our work together - 285 South’s, readers, and those who’ve been featured in stories - is making an impact.
I learned just this week that after 285 South’s reporting on the struggles of language access on the permit test, the Georgia Department of Driver Services officially added Dari in July, as a language option.
And - Angela, who was featured in this story about English language class access that was co-produced with Canopy Atlanta and WABE, has connected with a reader who offered to teach her English virtually. Their first class is on Monday!
Finally, not impact related, but just something nice. After three years of construction, Bismillah Cafe on Buford Highway marked the grand opening of its new location by giving away free biryani for 10 whole hours last Saturday. The cafe, which specializes in street food-style Bangladeshi food, was buzzing with customers who walked out with multiple containers of rice. When I asked Azad Hossain, the co-owner, why they were offering free food he said it was “to thank our customers.” Before leaving, he called out to me and my son (also named Azad), and said “pray for us!”
Stay safe and enjoy the *hopefully* cooler weather this month.
Sophia
Friday, September 1
Vietnamese Fall Festival: Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church is hosting a weekend long festival that will feature food and performances. Runs Friday, Sept. 1 to Sunday, Sept. 3. 4545 Timmers Way, Norcross, GA 30009. More info here (but it’s in Vietnamese).
Friday, September 8
Resume Day: The Latin American Association is offering online or in-person counseling for those needing assistance with their resumes, ahead of the Career Expo later in the month. 9:30 am to 2 pm. 2750 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. More info here and sign up here.
Saturday, September 9
Naturalization Clinic: New American Pathways is offering to assist people with their citizenship applications. Interested participants must register beforehand here. Appointments available at 9 am and 1 pm. 5403 Dividend Drive, Decatur, GA 30035. More info here, and registration here.
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival: The 26th annual festival at Lake Lanier will feature boat races, “cultural events during the opening ceremonies,” and “cuisine from all around the world.” Parking opens at 5:30am and the awards ceremony is at 3:40 pm. 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd
Gainesville, GA 30506. Details here.
Mock Interview Workshop: The International Rescue Committee Atlanta is holding a free workshop with Maktub Mentors, on tips on in-person and virtual interviews. 12-2 pm. 2305 Parklake Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30345. More info here, and register here.
Sunday, September 10
Estamos Aqui Festival: The Latino Community Fund - GA is kicking off Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month with this outdoor festival, featuring performers like Butch Vega and El Kartel, food, cocktails and vendors. 3-8 pm. Old Fourth Ward Amphitheater. More info here.
Saturday, September 16
Japan Fest: The Japan-America Society of Georgia and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia host a two-day festival featuring food (check out the list of vendors here), a Bonsai demonstration, a Samurai workshop, and performances. Tickets are $16 in advance or $20 at the door. 10am-6pm on Saturday, and 10am -5pm on Sunday. Gas South Convention Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Georgia 30097. More info here.
Sunday, September 17
Vietnamese Vegetarian food festival: Celebrate Ulambana, an event to honor elders and ancestors, with Vietnamese vegetarian food, hosted by the Chùa Hải Ấn Vietnamese Buddhist Temple. Proceeds of food sales benefit the temple. 11 am - 9 pm. 1180 Southlake Circle, Morrow, GA 30260. More info here.
Thursday, September 21
Latin American Association Career Expo: The LAA hosts its annual event for job seekers looking to connect with employers from corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations. 10am - 2pm. 2750 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. More info for both job seekers and prospective employers here.
Saturday, September 23
Refuge Coffee Run: The Clarkston based coffee shop and nonprofit is hosting its annual 5k ‘Race Around the World’ and Mile Fun Run. $35 to register. 8am. 4170 East Ponce de Leon Avenue, Clarkston, GA 30021. More info here and registration here.
International Rescue Committee Fundraising Dinner: The IRC in Atlanta is hosting, “Dinner Together,” an evening to raise funds to support refugees in the region. The event will include dinner from Chef Linton Hopkins, a silent auction, and entertainment. Tickets are $150. 6 pm to 9 pm. Atlanta International School, 2890 N Fulton Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. Questions? Contact Heloise.Ahoure@rescue.org. More info and purchase tickets here.
Saturday, September 30
Art Exhibit: Threads of Justice - The Asian American Advocacy Fund is launching an exhibit featuring 12 denim jackets customized by local Asian American artists of diverse backgrounds. Details forthcoming. Distillery of Modern Art. 2197 Irvindale Drive, Chamblee, GA 30341. More info here.
Atlanta Arab Festival: The Alif Institute hosts its annual weekend long festival featuring vendors, a food court, games and more. Free. Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1, 11 am to 6 pm festival.More info here.
