Portrait sessions in Norcross, Little Amal on Buford Highway, and kabobs with sour cherry.
285 South October Events Calendar
Lots happening this month. A quick heads up - Canopy Atlanta, the community newsroom that powers 285 South, is hosting a Norcross Community Social on October 22nd at Thrasher Park. I’ll be sharing more details in the coming weeks, but it’s basically a chance for folks to get to know Canopy, each other, and share their thoughts on what should be covered in Canopy’s upcoming Norcross issue.
And - this month 11-Alive is encouraging folks to share photos and memories to mark Dia de los Muertos. Throughout the month, the news outlet will be sharing notes and photos of loved ones who have passed, here on this digital ofrenda, or altar. If you’d like to participate, send your name, a photo of the person or pet you’re honoring, and one or two sentences about who they are and why you miss them. You can submit your response via text: 404-885-7600 or email it to Gabriella Nunez: gnunez@11alive.com.
Saturday, October 7
Hispanic Heritage Festival in Forest Park: The City of Forest Park is hosting a day long festival at Starr Park to mark Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring live performances, food trucks, bounce houses, and a mechanical bull. 2pm - 9pm. Starr Park, 5031 Park Ave, Forest Park, 30297. Questions? Contact councilaide@forestparkga.gov. More info here.
Sunday, October 8
Little Amal on Buford Highway: A 12-foot tall puppet, representing a 10 year old Syrian girl, will make a stop in Atlanta, as part of her 6,000 mile journey across the U.S. Amal is being welcomed by local community organizations in over 37 cities in the country, and on Sunday, she’ll be on Buford Highway, hosted by We Love Buford Highway, The City of Brookhaven, Amigos de la Comunidad, and CARE, among others.
Organizers say Amal “walks for the hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced people of all ages roaming the world in search of safety, half of whom are children.” Local groups are encouraging folks to come out and welcome Little Amal on Buford Highway at Northeast Plaza. 9:45am. Northeast Plaza near the QuikTrip. 3307 Buford Hwy, Brookhaven, GA 30329. More info here.
Thursday, October 12
‘New Era of Leadership’ Reception: Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta is hosting a reception to welcome its new executive director, Murtaza Khwaja. Come out to hear about the nonprofit’s goals for 2024. Tickets are free, but registration is required. 5pm - 8pm. MINT Gallery, 680 Murphy Ave SW Suite #2095, Atlanta, GA 30310. More info here.
Saturday, October 14
Latin Fever Ball: The Latin American Association is hosting an evening to fundraise for the nonprofit’s mission of providing resources and support to Latinos in Georgia. Sponsorship opportunities available. 6pm - 11pm. Flourish, 3143 Maple Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. More info about sponsorship opportunities, starting at $750, here.
Fundraising gala to support domestic violence survivors: Noor Family Services, a nonprofit that works primarily with survivors of domestic violence from immigrant backgrounds, is hosting its annual gala. 6:30pm. Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. Individual tickets are $120. Babysitting available. More info here.
Wednesday, October 18
“Freedom to Thrive” Portrait session: Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta is encouraging members of Atlanta’s immigrant community to have their photos taken and share their stories. It’s part of Freedom to Thrive, a nationwide initiative launched by the National Immigration Law Center to uplift and amplify the stories of immigrants. Each person participating in the portrait session will receive a printout of the portrait, as well as a digital version. 9am - 6pm. 5680 Oakbrook Pkwy, Suite 148, Norcross, GA 30093. More info here. And book a time to have your portrait taken here.
Saturday, October 21
Nigerian cooking class: Learn to make jollof rice, dodo (fried plantains), Nigerian chicken stew, and puff puff, a sweet doughy fried treat, at this cooking class with Nimota Salami, owner of Royal Food Nigeria. The event is hosted by Bebe’s Kitchen, a social enterprise in Metro Atlanta that highlights food from around the world. Tickets are $90. 1:30 - 4:30pm. Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 30030. More info and registration here.
Syrian kabobs, made with sour cherry: Guest chef Carla Bitar is teaching folks how to make a dish from Aleppo, Syria: sour cherry kabob. $55 for members, $65 for non-members. 2pm- 4:30pm. Alif Institute, 3288 Marjan Drive, Atlanta, GA 30340. Details and registration here.
Sunday, October 22
Save the Date: Norcross Community Social: Canopy Atlanta, the community newsroom which powers 285 South, is hosting a community social featuring food, music, a chance to learn more about Canopy’s upcoming Norcross issue, and to share your thoughts on what stories should be covered. 12-3pm. Thrasher Park, 93 Park Drive, Norcross, GA 30071. Details forthcoming.
5K to support We Love Buford Highway: The Brookhaven International Festival is hosting a 5K along Peachtree Creek Greenway to benefit the nonprofit We Love Buford Highway. Volunteers still needed for race day. More info here. Starts at 8am. Details here.
Friday, October 27
Raksha Ek Shaam: A night to celebrate Raksha, Georgia’s longest serving South Asian community organization working with survivors of violence. This year marks 25 years of hosting the annual event and organizers are highlighting the theme “Raaz to Awaaz” - “honoring the journey from silence to finding a voice.” The event will feature a live performance from Penn Masala, a premier South Asian a capella group that fuses Bollywood and pop culture music. Ticket prices range from $72 to $250. Doors open at 6:30pm. Rialto Center, 80 Forsyth St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. More info here.
Saturday, October 28
CAIR - Georgia Gala: Clearly, it’s the month of fundraising galas! The Council of American Islamic Relations - Georgia is hosting its annual gala .This year’s theme: “Georgia Muslims: Rooted in History, Rising in Power.” Tickets are $120 and babysitting is available for $30 per child. 6pm - 9pm. Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346. More info here.
Opportunities:
Dari and Pashto speakers needed: New American Pathways is looking for volunteers who speak Dari or Pashto to support newly arrived Afghan families with “rent, education needs, and the purchase of homes and cars.” Questions? Email volunteercoordinator@newamericanpathways.org. More info here.