News Updates
+ Join us as a volunteer with the Office for Immigrant Affairs!
 Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting our events and programs. You’ll have the opportunity to:
Connect with Organizations and Businesses: Support partnerships across Louisville that uplift immigrants and refugees, and help strengthen our city’s diverse landscape.
Meet People from Around the Globe: Be a welcoming face and a bridge for our international neighbors as they integrate and thrive within our vibrant city.
Learn & Support: Gain hands-on experience working with organizations dedicated to empowering immigrants and helping them succeed.
+ Help Shape the Future of TARC: Share Your Feedback on the 2025 Network Redesign
 As part of the next phase in the TARC 2025 network redesign, TARC has released draft proposals for a new transit network at different price points, offering both short- and long-term options for the community to consider.
This marks the beginning of a two-month public engagement period, running through April 30, during which community input will play a vital role in shaping the final plan. Feedback gathered during this time will help TARC refine the proposals before they are presented to the TARC Board for review. The earliest a redesigned network could be fully implemented is summer 2026.
TARC encourages all community members to share their thoughts and help shape the future of public transit.
+ Volunteers Needed for Earth Fest 2025
 Be a part of Earth Fest 2025, a new community-wide celebration kicking off Earth Month in Louisville! This exciting event will feature delicious food, live music, cultural performances, sustainability lightning talks, family-friendly activities, and a resource fair.
Earth Fest will highlight and amplify environmental initiatives led by local organizations throughout April, providing the community with opportunities to learn, engage, and take action for a more sustainable future.
Volunteers are needed to help make this event a success. Sign up today and support a greener Louisville!
When: Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Alberta O. Jones Park, 744 S 23rd Street
+ Join the Conversation at the Next Zoning Matters Event
 The Office of Planning invites community members to the next Zoning Matters event at Parkland Library, an open forum designed to foster discussions about neighborhood development, zoning, and the city's Land Development Code Reform.
This event provides an opportunity for residents to ask questions, share insights, and engage directly with city planners on planning and zoning activities. Through meaningful dialogue, both community members and planners can gain a deeper understanding of how zoning impacts everyday life.
When: Tuesday, April 1 from 3-7 p.m.
Where: Parkland Library, 2743 Virginia Avenue
+ Plan your Summer with the Cultural Pass
 The new Cultural Pass app is your Digital Passport to Creativity! Cultural Pass offers young people ages 0-21 and their families in the Greater Louisville area access to over 50 arts and cultural activities FREE from May 31 – August 10, 2025.
Register for updates and be the first to download the Cultural Pass app when it becomes available this spring!
+ Summer opportunity for students interested in exploring health careers
 The Healthwise summer program application is now open. This program is uniquely designed to provide an enriching experience for students eager to explore health careers while also enhancing their academic skills.
The program will take place from June 2-27 at Grace M. James Academy of Excellence, located at 1615 West Broadway Louisville, KY 40203.
The program has a $25 fee to help cover insurance costs for participants. If this proposes a financial hardship, please contact Hanna Mohammed or Bradley Coffman by calling 502-778-1607. The primary goal is to provide access to this rewarding experience for all students regardless of their inability to pay.
+ News You Can Use
+ Scholarships available to participate in Leadership Louisville Programs
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The Leadership Louisville Center has scholarship opportunities to support people interested in upcoming Focus Louisville classes held June 12-14 and September 18-20.
Learn more details about the classes and tuition support by visiting their website. You can also find more information for longer community leadership programs such as Ignite and Leadership Louisville.
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Upcoming Events
+ Celebrate Culture and Tradition at the 3rd Anniversary of SY Academy!
The SY Academy invites the community to a special celebration marking its third anniversary and the success of its cultural initiative, "Que Siga la Tradición" (Let the Tradition Continue).
This heartfelt program teaches children the vibrant and rhythmic art of Cuban dance, fostering a deep connection to their heritage while cultivating a love for the arts. The expands beyond Cuban traditions, featuring performances from Indian, Mexican, and African immigrant communities. They will be showcasing the rich diversity that makes Louisville a cultural tapestry.
The afternoon will be filled with music, movement, and a shared appreciation for traditions that unite us all.
When: Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Where: Clinton Theater, 2117 Payne Street
Don’t miss this unforgettable event!
+ Celebrate Culture and Community at the Nixtamal: Corn Festival!
 La Casita Center invites the community to Nixtamal: Corn Festival, a vibrant celebration honoring corn— a sacred food that has nourished families for generations.
Did you know that "nixtamal" refers to an ancient Indigenous process? Nixtamalization is the traditional method of cooking corn with lime (calcium hydroxide), enhancing its nutritional value and making it possible to create tortillas, tamales, and other beloved dishes.
This festival is a space to reconnect with cultural roots, share traditions, and enjoy delicious food, music, and community.
When: Saturday, March 29 from 4–6 p.m.
Where: La Casita Center, 223 E Magnolia Avenue
This event is FREE and open to all!
Don’t miss this opportunity to honor traditions and strengthen community bonds!
+ From Roots to Wings: come celebrate Haitian resilience
 The Haitian community is excited to invite you to support an upcoming activity, “From Roots to Wings.” This event will celebrate Haitian resilience while honoring the women, culture, and heritage!
Our goal is to unite community members, promote cultural exchange, and foster unity during these uncertain times.
When: Saturday, March 29 from 4-6 p.m.
Where: You must RSVP for location
We are counting on your support to make this event a success!
If you're interested in getting involved, RSVP through the link below and you will receive the location.
+ Join the University of Louisville for the 2025 Annual Lecture on Asian Democracy
The University of Louisville’s Center for Asian Democracy invites you to the 2025 Annual Lecture on Asian Democracy, featuring a special conversation with Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar on Monday, March 31. Dr. Majumdar, who currently leads Bangladesh’s electoral reform commission, is working to overhaul the country's election laws following the 2024 "Monsoon Revolution."
Dr. Majumdar is also the subject of the recently published biography, Today I Saw a Revolution: From Grassroots to Global Change by Cathy Burke, and is a recognized author, contributing extensively to both academic and journalistic platforms.
Don’t miss the opportunity to engage with a key figure in global democracy reform!
+ Silk Road Conversations coming up
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Rumsfeld Fellows from Central Asia—Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan—on the Silk Road’s past, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and the region’s cultural and economic impact today.
When: Monday, April 7 from 5:30-8 p.m.
Where: Asia Institute Crane House, 1244 S 3rd Street
Stay after for a reception featuring appetizers and treats. Presented in partnership with the Asia Institute | Crane House and the Rumsfeld Fellows Program.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with international leaders and experience the flavors of the Silk Road!
Journey of Success
 In this month's Journey of Success, we introduce you to Joanne Zhou and Gregory Smith. They are originally from China and Australia, respectively, but have made Louisville their home. You can read their story, and catch up on previous Journeys, by visiting our website.
Image of the Week
Celebrating Humberto Lahera Gonzalez: A Visionary Artist Honored in Louisville
Louisville proudly congratulates Cuban-born artist Humberto Lahera Gonzalez for his outstanding artistic achievements, winning 1st place (Best of Show) at the No-Jury Art Show and designing the artwork for the Woodford Reserve Derby bottle—an iconic tribute to the spirit of the Kentucky Derby.
A resident of Louisville, Lahera Gonzalez brings a rich cultural perspective to his work, blending vibrant colors, intricate textures, and deep storytelling that reflect his Cuban heritage and personal journey. His art captures movement, tradition, and emotion, making a lasting impact on both local and international audiences.
This well-earned recognition highlights his dedication to creativity and innovation, and we celebrate his invaluable contributions to the arts community. Congratulations, Humberto!
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Policy Updates
+ Immigration Policy Tracker
The Immigration Policy Tracking project keeps up with federal agencies policy memos, executive action, and internal communication. Be sure to keep up with new communications here: Immigration Policy Tracking Project
+ Sign up to receive emergency alerts in your language
Sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone!
Text "LENSAlert" to 67283
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