Speaker:
- Greg Kowalski, Executive Director, Hamtramck Historical Museum
Moderators:
- Cairo Mendes, Senior Director of State and Local Programs, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR)
- Anduriña Espinoza-Wasil, Programs Learning Manager, Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR)
Session Description:
Nestled within Detroit and described as “The World in Two Square Miles,” the City of Hamtramck has a long and vibrant history of immigration that continues today. From the French and German settlers of the 18th and 19th centuries to the large influx of Polish immigrants in the 20th century to more recent newcomers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Yemen, immigration is embedded in the city’s fabric and has made it a case study in tolerance and coexistence. Participants in this visit will have a chance to learn about Hamtramck history and the ways the museum engages immigrant communities today. Through a 75-minute walking tour, participants will be able to observe the impact of immigration on the city’s architecture, food, and culture. The visit will end with a facilitated group discussion and Q&A. Please dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes.