Austin celebrates “Welcome Week”
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(ABC 6 News) – It’s officially “Welcome Week” in communities around the country, including in Austin.
Welcoming week is designed to build connections and focus on the importance of being an inclusive place. The Austin Public Library held an event for immigrants to share their stories.
According to Dani Heiny, the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and inclusion, Mower County has one of the highest percentage of foreign born individuals in the state.
“Austin is really making an intentional effort to embrace diversity,” Heiny said. “and see the benefits…. ways to work together, and strengthen our community.”
Other speakers shared their stories about how they ended up in Austin, and the hardships they had to endure.
The book – “Our Austin Our America” – details numerous stories of immigrants who found hope in Austin.
The book is now available for purchase at Riverland Bookstore and Sweet Reads Books.
Proceeds go toward Riverland Community College scholarships.