Warming centers, news you may have missed, and holiday photos.

Dear 285 South friends,

Just a quick note to wish you all a happy holiday season.

It’s freezing outside, and a tree just blew into the side of my house (nothing was damaged though!). Thankfully, there are warming centers around the metro area: here’s a list of them.

In case you missed it, there’s been some important reporting on our diverse communities over the last few weeks:

Venezuelans entering the labor market: The AJC’s Lautaro Grinspan’s latest story looks at how Venezuelans who arrived here in the summer and fall, who don’t have work permits, are vulnerable to exploitative work conditions. Read it here.

Restarting careers, and addressing the teacher shortage: WABE’s Emily Wu Pearson tells the story of women like Shakila Aimaq, at teaching assistant at Decatur’s International Community School, who is rebuilding her career after having to give up her medical education when she left Afghanistan. Check out the story here.

Life in the sunset years: Khabar Magazine’s feature this month takes a deep dive into what life is like for Indians who migrated to the U.S. in the 1980’s. Some are choosing to live in retirement communities here and some are longing for the country they left behind. Read Lavina Melwani’s story here.

Before I go, I’ll leave you with some photos I took around town over the last week:

I spoke to demonstrators outside of Ponce City Market, who said they had been gathering here every weekend for the last nine weeks, to show solidarity with protestors in Iran who’ve been speaking out since the death of Mahsa Amini.

Voices of Muslims held a gala last Saturday at Al Noor Banquet Hall in Norcross, bringing together recently elected Muslim state legislators both in Georgia, and in states like Minnesota and Illinois, local officials, and community leaders. It was 3 hours of speeches - which I thoroughly enjoyed - but my 8 year old son (who was easily one of the youngest people to attend) was waning after the first hour.

Also last Saturday, Los Vecinos de Buford Highway held a Christmas party and toy drive at the Huntington Station apartments just off the highway. People gathered to hear local singer Henry Torres sing classic Christmas carols both in English and Spanish.

Also at the Vecinos party - Santa! Merry Christmas to all who celebrate :)