A Story Of Belonging: Unpacking Immigration Together

Presenters: Cheryl Hamilton, Stellar Story Company Director, and Henry St. Julien, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) for Falmouth Public Schools

The United States and Framingham have long been a destination for people from countries worldwide. Some newcomers come in search of opportunities, while others arrive fleeing persecution. Currently, more than 30% of residents in Framingham are born outside the U.S., compared to the national average of 12.5%. Historically, immigrant success has been disproportionately focused on economic self-sufficiency, but finances seldom tell the whole story. A different story — the story of belonging — offers a more comprehensive and inclusive perspective of the benefits and challenges of modern migration.

Presenter Cheryl Hamilton has devoted her career to advancing more inclusive communities. As a director of local and national nonprofit programs serving immigrants and refugees, she will highlight how belonging impacts every aspect of immigrant integration, from employment opportunities to civic engagement. She will be joined  by Henry St. Julian, an immigrant from Haiti and graduate of Framingham State University. St. Julien will share his experience growing up in Framingham and how it has shaped his perspective as a DEIB expert today. Join us as we unpack immigration stories and strategies that result in meaningful relationships between U.S. and foreign-born residents and greater outcomes for everyone.

This program kicks off a series devoted to global migration in Framingham which culminates in a new exhibition titled “Collective Journeys” coming September 2023.

This in-person event is free of charge thanks to Mass Humanities Expand Massachusetts Stories grant. RSVP recommended.