Day: September 11, 2013

Philadelphia, September 9, 2013– The City of Philadelphia announced xCultural Passport to PHL, a week-long series of events celebrating the culture and contributions of the many immigrant communities that have shaped Philadelphia’s heritage from September 15th through September 22nd. xCultural Passport to PHL is hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs.rnrn rnrn“Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, is a welcoming place to different people and diverse cultures. From our historical connection to Sweden to our growing African, Latino and Caribbean communities, our great City opens itself to the people of the world and embraces their differences,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “I am looking forward to xCultural Passport to PHL to celebrate the long-standing impact of immigrant cultures and contributions to Philadelphia’s rich heritage.”rnrn rnrnJennifer Rodríguez, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs, added, “We want to highlight Philadelphia as a place where both newcomers and long-time residents feel appreciated, have access to resources and opportunities, and, ultimately, a place that individuals want to invest in and are happy to call home. For both, U.S.-born and foreign-born residents, this week will provide an opportunity to explore other cultures and develop a deeper appreciation for one another.”rnrn rnrnIn partnership with Global Philadelphia Association, the Welcoming Center, Walnut Street Theatre, Language Services Associates, Juntos and PhillyCam, xCultural Passport to PHL will feature 24 events to foster understanding, respect and appreciation for the diverse residents, communities and cultures across the City. xCultural Passport to PHL events include:rnrn rnrnWorking with Limited English Proficient and Multicultural Groups Workshop, a roundtable discussion to help City agencies, service providers and other organizations engage with communities with language and cultural barriers;rnP3: Philadelphia Plays for Peace, a soccer tournament with teams representing the world promoting peace, community engagement and competition;rnxCultural Showcase at Love Park, a multicultural food and performance experience featuring a performance from the musical In the Heights;rnYoung, Involved & Immigrant in Philadelphia Panel, a discussion between high school and university students focusing on their personal experiences as young immigrants in the City of Philadelphia; andrnEat, Sip and Tweet, a day-long social media experience encouraging Philadelphians to share their favorite ethnic cuisine. The event will feature the xCultural Bar Crawl, a cultural meet-up with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs and community members to sample food and drinks from other nations at restaurants around the City.rn rnrnA full list of events is available online at www.xCulturalPassportPHL.com.