Kenyan runner breaks the World Record in Chicago: Kelvin Kiptum, a 23-year-old runner from Kenya, set a world record in the men’s division, crossing the Chicago Marathon finish line in 2 hours and 35 seconds.
Chicagoans voice their concerns over Palestinians and Israel: On Sunday, more than 1,000 supporters of Palestinians and Israel rallied in front of the building housing the Israeli consulate in Chicago. “We are taking part in sending that message that we are united for national liberation, an end to apartheid and occupation and liberation for the Palestinian people,” Muhammed Sankari said, a member of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network.”
A migrant shelter could open in Ukrainian Village: Officials are holding a community meeting at Chopin Elementary School on Thursday regarding plans for a proposed shelter at 526 N. Western Ave. in Ukrainian Village that could soon house asylum seekers.
Immigrant community leaders and allies rallied for dignified care for all: Immigrant Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) members held a press conference at Daley Plaza on Tuesday, demanding dignified care for all.
To preserve Kurdish culture and language, the Kurdish Cultural Center of Illinois (KCCI) is a non-profit organization that brings together Kurdish people and welcomes anyone interested in learning about the culture and history. In 2017, Kurdish Chicagoans banded together to build the center. According to Ridwan Zozani, co-president of KCCI, “Chicago has become a hub for Kurdish people.”
Many visitors have learned of the center through word of mouth, especially those who just moved to Chicago and are looking for a sense of community and belonging.
“A lot of times, when someone says that they’re Kurdish or brings up their Kurdish identity, that can be controversial,” said Betul Serbest, co-president of KCCI. “Our goal here with the center is to make it so that it’s not so controversial. We are our own people, our own ethnicity, we have our own culture, and we just want to raise awareness about how beautiful our culture is, and how it also fits into the puzzle that has like, like the big mixing melting pot of the Middle East.”
“So that’s what we’re trying to do with the center: bring people together, preserve that culture, and raise awareness of our presence in the Middle East,” Serbest added.
Over the past six years, the group has dedicated itself to building community and spreading awareness through community events such as celebrating Nowruz, International Women’s Day and attending the Middle Eastern Festival.
Earlier this year, KCCI responded to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria, raising over $20,000 for the Kurdish victims and humanitarian efforts sent to the Kurdish Red Crescent and the Barzani Foundation in Turkey and Syria.
The cultural center also plays an essential role in providing Kurdish language classes for children and adults, which will resume this fall.
The center is open from Sunday through Thursday. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
📐 Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ART WORKS Projects is partnering with The International Children’s Media Center as part of the Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago 2023. The exhibition displayed at ART WORKS Project “Finding Home” is a special activation of photography and short video screenings that highlight the importance of home, belonging and safety within human rights. The space is located at 625 N Kingsbury St.
🇵🇭 Sunday, Oct. 15, 1 – 2 p.m.
The Brookfield Public Library is hosting A Taste of the Philippines, offering community members a chance to learn about Filipino cuisine and samples of Filipino dishes.
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