International Institute of Buffalo
iibuff.bsky.social
International Institute of Buffalo
@iibuff.bsky.social
Making Western New York a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees.

Visit our website: iibuffalo.org
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Here is the latest information from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of your January 2026 newsletter!

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For #BlackHistoryMonth, we continue to spotlight notable Black #refugees and immigrants, and the contributions they've made to America's vibrant tapestry.

Today, we recognize trailblazing Nigerian American computer scientist, Phillip Emeagwali. Learn more about his journey:
bit.ly/3ZLAMK9
February 18, 2026 at 8:21 PM
Ramadan Mubarak! May this month of fasting and spiritual reflection bring our friends in the Muslim community peace, happiness, and blessings. The holy month of Ramadan calls on Muslims to abstain from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset to remember those less fortunate and practice gratitude.
February 18, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Kick off “The Year of the Horse” at our Chinese New Year Celebration!

The evening will feature:
• Traditional music and dancers
• A presentation on history, customs, and traditions
• Chinese calligraphy art demonstration and gifts
• Delicious food

Find details and ticket info: bit.ly/4k8BOJm
February 17, 2026 at 9:15 PM
IIB would not be able to make WNY a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees, were it not for the great people on our team and in the community!

tinyurl.com/yp4n4keh
February 17, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Today, folks in more than 40 countries celebrate Valentine’s Day. Love, romance, and kindness are shared with others through gifts such as flowers, candy, and jewelry.
February 14, 2026 at 1:33 PM
In the spirit of the #2026Olympics, we continue to spotlight world-class immigrant athletes who are currently or have competed for the U.S. National team.

Today, we recognize the most decorated women’s bobsledder in history, Kaillie Humphries. Learn more about her journey: bit.ly/40aICwW
February 13, 2026 at 7:07 PM
We are looking for a Staff Accountant (Non-CPA) to help us make WNY a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees.

Find full position details and apply through the link below:
bit.ly/3Zz75fk
February 12, 2026 at 7:51 PM
For #BlackHistoryMonth, we'll continue recognizing notable Black #refugees and immigrants, and the contributions they've made to America's vibrant tapestry.

Today, we spotlight Cuban American and Grammy Award-winning singer, Celia Cruz.

Learn more:
bit.ly/4qCy9oJ
February 12, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Today, folks in Cameroon celebrate Youth Day. This national holiday recognizes the significant role youth play within the country. Sixty percent of the country’s population is under the age of twenty-five. Celebrations include speeches, parades, and sports events.
February 11, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Join us to celebrate the Chinese New Year, Thursday, February 26!

From Traditional music to an oral history presentation, calligraphy and custom gifts to delicious food, the event continues our century-long tradition of cultural events. Grab your tickets through the following link: bit.ly/4k8BOJm
February 10, 2026 at 9:24 PM
We're now accepting applications for our open Employment Services Internship.

You’ll gain valuable and hands-on experience in the nonprofit space while helping to make Western New York a better place for, and because of, Immigrants and Refugees. Apply through the following link: bit.ly/4rFQIcS
February 9, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Today marks Prešeren Day in Slovenia. The holiday commemorates the death of Slovene poet France Prešeren, who is considered the country’s greatest classical author. The holiday also honors Slovene artists whose work was repressed during WWII.
February 8, 2026 at 4:52 PM
We are looking for an Employment Case Manager to help us make WNY a better place for, and because of, immigrants and refugees.

tinyurl.com/mrcz6me9
February 8, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Observed annually on February 7, Grenada’s Independence Day marks the country’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1974. The public holiday is celebrated with festivals, parades, and traditional dishes, including its national dish, a meat-and-vegetable stew called oil down.
February 7, 2026 at 1:32 PM
Kick off “The Year of the Horse” at our Chinese New Year Celebration!

The evening will feature:
• Traditional music and dancers
• A presentation on history, customs, and traditions
• Chinese calligraphy art demonstration and gifts
• Delicious food

Find details and ticket info: bit.ly/4k8BOJm
February 6, 2026 at 8:36 PM
With twin Olympic cauldrons set to be simultaneously lit during tonight’s opening ceremony in Italy, we're celebrating world -class immigrant and refugee athletes who are competing or have competed for team USA.

Today, we spotlight Campbell Wright, a rising star in biathlon: bit.ly/3OqdU06
February 6, 2026 at 7:26 PM
Recently, our Employment Services team held a successful job fair in collaboration with the New York State Department of Labor. Approximately 88 clients attended to network, meet employers, and learn about opportunities.

Learn more about our trainings for workplace success: bit.ly/4khbe0K
February 5, 2026 at 7:51 PM
National Day in Sri Lanka, also known as Sri Lankan Independence Day, commemorates the country's independence from the United Kingdom in 1948. This public holiday is observed with music, dance, and meals that include legumes, fruits, and tea.
February 4, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Today marks the start of the Farmer’s Day holiday in Taiwan, which coincides with Lichun – the beginning of Spring. On this day, offerings are given to the gods in exchange for a prosperous new year and a bountiful harvest
February 4, 2026 at 8:38 PM
We helped to welcome 36 New #Americans from 14 countries as they took their citizenship oaths at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ceremony in downtown Buffalo this week.

Learn more about the ceremony and how we help our newest neighbors integrate into the community: bit.ly/4rwxJkO
February 4, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Today, folks in Mozambique celebrate Heroes Day. This holiday encourages citizens to remember all those who gave their lives in the struggle for freedom from colonial occupation. Ten thousand people died in a ten-year conflict with Portugal before Mozambique gained its autonomy in 1975.
February 3, 2026 at 3:23 PM
As #BlackHistoryMonth kicks off, we're recognizing notable Black #refugees and immigrants, and the contributions they've made to America's vibrant tapestry. Today, we spotlight British American and Academy Award-nominated actor, Delroy Lindo.
Learn more about his journey: bit.ly/46q9hJC
February 2, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Kick off “The Year of the Horse” at our Chinese New Year Celebration!

The evening will feature:
• Traditional music and dancers
• A presentation on history, customs, and traditions
• Chinese calligraphy art demonstration and gifts
• Delicious food

Find details and ticket info: bit.ly/4k8BOJm
February 2, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Today marks the abolition of slavery in Mauritius, a public holiday first established on this day in 1985. Approximately 80% of the country’s population was enslaved in the 19th century, following tobacco and sugar cane industries launched by European settlers.
February 1, 2026 at 2:55 PM
IIB joined other non-profit leaders to learn about the economic value immigrants bring to local communities from the Immigration Research Initiative’s David Kallick. Visit our Know the Value page for info on the positive impacts immigrants have on our country.

tinyurl.com/bdhk8sea
January 31, 2026 at 1:21 PM