MIMA is looking for new Americans who would benefit from the opportunity to grow their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of city governance and resources. From June 30 to July 28, MIMA will host the second New American Leadership Institute (NALI), a four-week course that will include leadership development, a visit to City Hall to learn about government structure, presentations by city organizations that serve as neighborhood resources, and a graduation ceremony with Mayor Pugh. NALI leaders will carry their new skills and knowledge back to their communities, with the hopes that they will advocate for New American representation in neighborhood groups, serve on local nonprofit boards, and assist their fellow community members to leverage appropriate resources for neighborhood improvement.

MIMA is recruiting a cohort of approximately 20 new American leaders. The application is now live and will be open until June 18 at 5 PM. As the application window is short, please spread the word!

Complete the application here.   

Komite Ayiti is a grassroots organization geared towards connecting the Haitian community to educational, social, and cultural resources within the greater Baltimore area. Since their inception in April 2016, they have held several events in which they have shared Haiti’s unique and rich cultural heritage with residents of the greater Baltimore area.  On May 18, 2018, Komite Ayiti celebrated Haitian Flag Day in Baltimore at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, featuring art from Haiti and by Haitian artists as well as several performances.

Komite Ayiti is strongly committed to giving back to the community: They participate in the annual Mayor’s Spring Cleanup and organized a drive to collect items for those affected by the hurricane in Houston.

The founding members of Komite Ayiti are Haitian immigrants and first generation Haitians, but Komite Ayiti strives to create a warm and welcoming environment not just for those of Haitian descent, but for anyone interested in learning more about Haiti. For more information regarding Komite Ayiti please email komiteayiti.baltimore@gmail.com.

The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) expanded to Baltimore in 2014 to provide financial coaching, microloans, and small business assistance. This week, LEDC’s Small Business Coach Karina Mendoza brought her food business expertise to aspiring food entrepreneurs. On Wednesday morning, the Artesanas Mexicanas of the Creative Alliance welcomed Karina for a workshop on how to start a food business. Karina is also collaborating with the Baltimore City Health Department to ensure that her technical assistance aligns with food business licensing and regulations.

Special thanks to Karina and LEDC for their ever-expanding support for Baltimore’s entrepreneurs!

On May 4th, Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen announced the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Honduras to go in effect on January 5, 2020. 

Honduras was designated for TPS under President Clinton on January 5, 1999 due to Hurricane Mitch, considered one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in modern history. Approximately 1.4 million people were left homeless and more than 5,600 people were killed.  It is estimated that 86,000 Hondurans are currently registered, representing the second largest group of foreigners with TPS in the country.

Approximately 3,300 Hondurans reside in Baltimore City (ACS 5-year estimates, 2016). Affected community members should seek other forms of relief as recommended by an immigration attorney. Information on local legal assistance is available in MIMA’s Welcome Guide or through AILA’s Immigration Lawyer Search. For more information on TPS & Honduras, please click here.