City celebrating immigrant inclusion, community connection, and cultural exchange
SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA) are announcing
Somerville’s Welcoming Week 2025, a celebration of inclusion and belonging that will run from September 12 through 22. The week will include a series of events and activities designed to uplift immigrant voices, showcase community solidarity, and connect residents
across cultures.
“As an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen in the eighth grade, I’ll never forget the teachers and neighbors
who made me feel like I belonged. That sense of welcome changed my life,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “Welcoming Week is a powerful reminder that building an inclusive city takes action, commitment, and joy. Our immigrant neighbors make Somerville stronger in every
way, and I’m proud to lead a city that stands with them and celebrates them.”
This year’s Welcoming Week highlights include:
P’alante Art Exhibition at the Somerville Public Library
Date/Location: Photographs are on display from August 1st-September 30th at the East, West, and Central Branches
of the Somerville Public Library:
Central Branch: 79 Highland Ave.
East Branch: 115 Broadway.
West Branch: 40 College Ave.
Time: Check the following link for branch opening hours:
somervillepubliclibrary.org/library/hours-locations
About:
P’alante: Stories Moving Somerville Forward is an art exhibition by local photographer Mario Quiroz. Quiroz describes the project as “a celebration of the many wonderful things that make up our immigrant communities in Somerville. Our personal,
family, and collective history is based on resilience.”
To learn more, access exhibition guides in eight languages, and view a short film created for this project, visit:
somervillepubliclibrary.org/adults/palante-stories-moving-somerville-forward
During the month of September, the Somerville Public Schools (SPS) will offer tours for families, students and educators
to enjoy the P’alante art exhibit.
Somerville Citizenship Day
Date/Time: August 23
About: In the lead-up to Welcoming Week, Project Citizenship in partnership with the City of Somerville is hosting
a Citizenship Day to provide free legal help for Green Card holders who are ready to apply for U.S. citizenship.
“I Am Welcoming” Messages
Teacher Welcome Messages: SPS teachers are sharing messages of encouragement and belonging with students in many
different languages. These messages will be shared on city
and school social media channels. The messages reflect the diversity of our community and show students that
no matter what language they speak, they are seen, supported, and celebrated at SPS.
“What does ‘Welcome’ Mean to You?”: Staff from the Office of Immigrant Affairs are sharing stories to showcase our
voices and celebrate the spirit of inclusion that defines our city.
Somerville Public Library Booklist and Display
Check out the Welcoming Week booklist and display at the Central Branch of the Somerville Public Library. The list and display
will feature immigrant stories, inclusive narratives, and children’s books about welcoming communities.
Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs Community Get-Together
Date/Time: September 25, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Edward L. Leathers Community Park, 104 Walnut St.
About:
Welcoming Week 2025 will close with a community celebration; with food, music, and resource-sharing to help neighbors connect and thrive.
“The City of Somerville has a long history of welcoming. Our community and its rich diversity guide our
commitment to ensure Somerville remains a place where all belong,” said Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs Director Maria Teresa Nagel. “We are proud to join localities across the country in celebrating Welcoming Week 2025 and reminding our new and longtime
Somervillians alike that Somerville stands up for Welcoming!”
About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign led by Welcoming America that celebrates the growing movement
of inclusive communities. Launched in 2012, it provides a platform for local events that build mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants and deepen a sense of belonging for all. Learn more at
welcomingamerica.org.