Georgia State Students Celebrate 2nd World Migrants Day at Atlanta City Hall

Georgia State University international students had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2nd World Migrants Day at Atlanta City Hall, an event to celebrate the culture and contributions of migrant communities in Atlanta.

The event was organized by Pilar Baca, Community Navigator Coordinator, from the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs through its Welcoming Atlanta initiative. The celebration brought together approximately 40 consulates, cultural organizations, local vendors and community members together to honor the resilience and diversity in Atlanta. Attendees experienced dance performances, music, and displays representing global traditions.

For Pilar the most meaningful impact the event has, particularly on the student community, “was the sense of connection and belonging it fostered. Many migrant families and youth face challenges such as isolation, language barriers and navigating unfamiliar systems. This event offered a space where their experiences were honored, their cultures celebrated and their voices truly valued. […]”

She added “We recognize that choosing to migrate often means leaving the familiar for the unknown, a decision that reflects incredible strength and resilience in the face of fear and sometimes violence. The message we hope this visit sends is that we honor this courage and are proud to welcome them to Atlanta as their home!” 

The event also emphasized inclusion for the community, Pilar shared the celebration included the artwork by LaAmistad’s teen and young adult students, “which vividly expressed their experiences as first- and second-generation migrants. The artwork not only showcased their personal stories but also helped build connections among attendees, fostering understanding and supportive relationships across diverse backgrounds.”

Migrant Day is an opportunity to point out important topics such as human rights, the fundamental freedom of migrants, and their contribution to the community. Students highlighted how impactful it was to see the city supporting and celebrating the international community and reinforcing the importance of inclusion.

Sonia Phil-Jones, a Georgia State alumna from Nigeria, reflected on the experience: “Events like this give people a sense of belonging and an opportunity to share their cultures. They also help people connect with others who understand or appreciate different backgrounds and experiences.”

For many students, the celebration was more than a cultural event, the experience was a reminder that they belong. Being around people who shared similar journeys and experiences helped to connected and feel proud to be part of Atlanta’s community.

Reymajan Jumaniyazova, a senior Neuroscience student from Uzbekistan, shared how meaningful it was to attend the event and hear the Mayor speak about immigrants and diversity in Atlanta. For her, the event shows that “Atlanta cares about immigrants… it made me feel comfortable seeing different countries being represented and knowing the Mayor supports people from diverse countries.”

The event conjured warm memories for Reymajan and reinforced how important representation is in helping people feel they belong. As a student from Central Asia, she noted that she had struggled to find spaces reflecting her culture locally. However, through AMIS Atlanta, a group that connects international students across colleges with their communities, she discovered an authentic Central Asian restaurant in Alpharetta last year. Visiting the restaurant allowed her to connect with her culture and share it with her friends.

As Atlanta continues to grow, honoring diverse cultures and creating meaningful connections between communities through these partnerships empowers students to engage with leaders, celebrate their identities, and contribute to a more inclusive and globally connected city.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, welcoming the event, stated that “World Migrants Day is a time to honor the journey of migrants from all of the world, for the unique challenges they face, to the rich cultural legacy that they bring to us from their home countries of origin, our community is made stronger by our migrant neighbors and their resiliency. I’m always inspired by those everyday heroes among us, many of whom gave up of everything, we are working to ensure that no one are left behind as we move Atlanta forward together.”

GSU’s Office of International Initiatives and the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs have partnered to create opportunities for Georgia State University students to engage with the City. This collaboration supports each office’s mission to support and connect the local international community.

 -Story by Larissa Monique Foganholo