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+ Mama Shadia brings bold Middle Eastern flavors to the Russell neighborhood
Adel Aslaam and Tim Barber are co-owners of Mama Shadia.
Story, Matt Glowicki, Courier Journal/Photo, Jody Hamilton, Economic Development
A chance meeting on a pickleball court led to the opening of a new Middle Eastern restaurant in the Russell neighborhood, Mama Shadia.
Co-owner and chef, Adel Alasam, is a native of the island state Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. He came to the United States last spring with the dream of opening a restaurant.
For six months, he and business partner Tim Barber, a Portland neighborhood native, searched for the right location.
With more free time on his hands than he would like, Alasam started playing pickleball daily after discovering the sport during walks in E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park.
April is National Fair Housing Month! This year, we commemorate the 55th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, that made discrimination in housing transactions unlawful.
+ Give a day during Mayor's Give-A-Day Celebration
All month long in April you can make a difference in our community through Give a Day, the Mayor's Celebration of Service! This program partners with Metro United Way who works every day to lift our community by mobilizing people and maximizing our community’s resources to advance equity and share opportunities for all.
Check out all the opportunities to volunteer and register for service here! Some volunteer opportunities include giving fresh paint to community buildings, clean-up and landscaping of our shared outdoor spaces, clothing drives for children and babies, food deliveries to those in need, and so much more.
Any act of service helps! If you are unable to register for a physical act of service but would still love to contribute, donations to the Mayor's Give a Day are accepted here. Your donation will help to keep Give a Day going and provide supplies needed to help the community!
Policy Updates
+ Kentucky General Assembly passes House Bill 13
House Bill 13 retains original provisions and amends KRS 281A.120 to allow an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, but can show proof of legal presence and authorization to work in the United States, to apply for a CDL permit.
+ Biden administration extends protections for Ukrainians
The Biden administration announced last week that it would grant another year of temporary legal status for some Ukrainians who arrived in the United States before April 25, when the Biden administration rolled out the Uniting for Ukraine program.
+ Redesign of Green Cards and Employment Authorization Document.
United States Citizenship and immigration Services (USCIS) announced on January 30 new designs to improve security of Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). USCIS began issuing the redesigned cards on Jan. 30, 2023. The new Green Card and EAD designs contain improved technology and designs meant to further secure the documents. Current cards remain valid until their expiration date (unless otherwise noted). Green card holders are encouraged to apply for the new cards.
USCIS updated their guidance in their policy manual to clarify that both asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year when their Adjustment of Status is adjudicated. This new physical presence requirement supersedes the old rule which stated that asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the U.S. for one year at the time they file their adjustment of status application.
Events
+ Participate in the 29th Annual Frankfort Avenue Easter Parade
Saturday, April 8, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Frankfort Avenue Business Association (FABA), Crescent Hill Community Council and the Clifton Community Council would like to invite you, your family and friends to participate in the 29th Annual Frankfort Avenue Easter Parade!
The Easter Bunny and Grand Marshall will kick off the parade. "Good Ears" awards will be given out to the most creative floats and participants. Watch as many fun and decorated groups return to the Easter Parade including the Shriners, antique cars, homemade family floats, Hwang's Martial Artists, the Talking Police Car and the Mounted Sheriff's Posse!
This free, family-friendly event will also have plenty of free candy! Make plans to come out and celebrate the return of spring on beautiful Historic Frankfort Avenue!
Stilz to Pope St., Frankfort Ave, St. Matthews, KY
+ Join Mayor Greenberg at JCTC
Tuesday, April 11, 12:00 P.M.
This event will give the students the opportunity to voice their questions or concerns to Louisville's Mayor Craig Greenberg about their community.
Downtown Campus in Chestnut Hall (lower level).
+ The World in Transition Speaker Series: Haiti on the Brink
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Join WAC to hear from Ambassador Foote about his decision and insight into where Haiti stands and what it needs from the U.S. and the international community to be politically viable and provide security for its people.
Moderating this conversation is Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater, former U.S. Ambassador for Jamaica, whose own diplomatic career involved nations in crisis.
The reception will open at 5:00pm and presentation starts at 6pm.
Sign up for a virtual communityIndaba (forum) to share and learn about the needs of our communities and how we can collectively address them. The forum will include sessions on the topics of community organizing; social change; community cooperatives and faith-based partnerships.
This is a 1.5-hour Zoom virtual discussion, created in collaboration with Presbyterian Committee on Self Development of People and Louisville MetroOffice for Immigrant Affairs. The event is for local community partners, volunteers, organizations, faith based entities and anyone interested in the work of engaging with others on issues of community organizing, social change, community cooperatives, faith-based partnerships and how to further this work especially in the context of immigrant communities.
+ Join REACH Small Business Workshop: Funding Business Growth
Saturday, April 15, 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
There are several ways you can fund business growth (buying the things / hiring the people you need to grow your business). You can reinvest your business profits, or you can borrow money (loan) from a bank or other financial organization that you will pay back over time with future profits. Learn more about various options and ways to make different strategies work for your business.
South Central Public Library, Community Room, 7300 Jefferson Blvd.
Louisville Parks and Recreation and TreesLouisville are excited to welcome the community to the second annual TreeFest: An Arbor Day Celebration. This is a family-friendly event and will offer a variety of activities for those of all ages!
The day will begin with a volunteer tree planting, where community volunteers will work to plant 200 trees throughout Joe Creason Park. Additional activities offered at TreeFest include tree giveaways, guided nature walks, tree climbing, rock climbing wall, crafts, games, live music, vendor booths, community booths and more!
Food and beverages from Lil Cheezers, Poco502, West Sixth Brewing and Angel's Envy will be available for purchase. Bringing personal alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
Joe Creason Park, 1297 Trevilian Way
+ Global Executive Forum - Domestic Diplomacy
Tuesday, Apr 18, 7:30 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.
Network together with top level executives in this thoughtful leadership series, designed to provide business professionals insight from some of the most prominent decision makers that shape and influence the changing global economy. This event will provide you access to peers from across the region and from multiple business sectors and to learn from CEO’s that are the brightest and the best in global trade.
The Olmsted, 3701 Frankfort Ave.
+ Join Backside Learning Center's Derby Handicapping Social
Tuesday, April 18th from 5:30–7:30pm at Louisville Thoroughbred Society.
CALLING ALL THOROUGHBRED OWNERS & RACING ENTHUSIASTS to come enjoy the Backside Learning Center’s Second Annual Derby Handicapping Social. Experience the Derby season magic in an exclusive downtown venue. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres & drinks. Hear from a panel of experts as they handicap Kentucky Derby 149 contenders. Learn about the Backside Learning Center and help in our mission to support the people who are truly the backbone of the industry. Tickets available now!
The eighth annual Fan Fair is set for June 10 at the Edison Center in Old Louisville. Every year, this popular event collects and distributes much-needed fans to hundreds of neighbors in our community.
The qualifications to receive a fan are age 60+ or a verified disability (doctors note or SSA declaration of SSI/SSDI benefits can be proof).
WE NEED YOUR HELP! If your organization is interested in sponsoring Fan Fair and/or creating an exhibit at the event – or if you wish to make a donation to help us acquire more fans – contact us at 502-574-5092. 🙏
+ Experience Wild Lights: Around the World at the Louisville Zoo
Thursdays – Sundays, March 10 – May 21, 6:30 P.M. Advance online ticket required
The popular lantern festival is back in a WHOLE NEW WAY! Experience unique locations from around the world as you stroll through the Zoo under the light of enormous, handcrafted, silk-covered lanterns. Don’t miss the thrilling sights of the region’s largest lantern festival with hundreds of lanterns aglow with more than 50,000 LED light bulbs.
Dramatic archways illuminate the way on a magical journey encompassing the famous landmarks, flora and fauna of six continents. From the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Sydney Opera House, to the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Great Sphinx of Giza, displays celebrating these breathtaking global sites will amaze guests of all ages. Feast your eyes on dramatic cultural displays celebrating the rich heritage and craftsmanship of lantern artisans. Engage with interactive, animated and color-changing displays. Commemorate your visit with awe-inspiring photos at our stunning photo opportunity locations. Kids (and kids at heart) can become part of the magic while swaying on our glowing moonlight swings or exploring the panda game station! The wonder of Wild Lights is sure to create glowing smiles and bright, everlasting memories.
The Global Louisville Directory is an interactive online tool that connects the community with institutions, businesses, organizations, and services that speak their language and have a higher understanding of cultural competency structures that reduce anxiety for foreign-born consumers and increase their level of comfort to thrive as a valued resident of Louisville.
Click HEREto register your business, organanization, or service on the Global Louisville Directory.
Global Lou Highlights
There are many authentic restaurants owned by Louisvillians with a variety of roots in Middle East and North Africa whose families brought their delicious cuisine to our city. Here are some restaurants around Louisville that have Halal offerings:
The Falafel House, 1001 Bardstown Rd., 502-454-4407
Check out the international restaurants, and visit the Global Louisville Directory HERE to find more international businesses!
Image of the Week
+ Fair Housing effects everyone
WASHINGTON - Monday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) kicked off Fair Housing Month 2023, commemorating 55 years since the Fair Housing Act was signed into law. This year’s Fair Housing Month theme, Choices for All Voices: Building an Equitable Future, underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing equity in housing, combating discrimination in housing, and protecting fair housing rights for all who call America home.
“This April, we commemorate the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law that guarantees the right to housing of your choice, free from discrimination,” said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “Though it has been 55 years since the Fair Housing Act was passed, we are still working tirelessly to fight housing discrimination. Today, we recommit to our mission to provide equality and opportunity to every person who calls America home, regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, or familial status.”
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