International Institute of Akron

06/12/2026

Today's World Cup matches are set! ⚽🌎 Who are you rooting for?

A fun World Cup fact: More than one-third of both the U.S. and Canadian national teams are immigrants or the children of immigrants. A reminder that soccer has always been a global game shaped by people, cultures, and stories from around the world.

Here's to celebrating the diversity that makes the World Cup, and our communities, stronger!

06/11/2026

The World Cup was created to bring countries together.

While recent headlines have focused on visa denials, travel restrictions, and delayed arrivals, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate what makes the game, and our Akron community, so special.

In honor of Immigrant Heritage Month and World Refugee Day on June 20, we'll be highlighting the national teams that Akron's immigrant and refugee communities are cheering for throughout the tournament. We'll also be spotlighting the people, cultures, and immigrant-owned businesses that help make Akron a vibrant and welcoming place to call home.

Follow along on our social media throughout the next month as we celebrate the communities that bring our city to life and the global spirit that makes the World Cup so meaningful.

And be sure to check out today's opening match between Mexico and South Africa at 3:00 PM!

What country are you rooting for?

06/08/2026

The FIFA World Cup has always been more than a tournament. It is a celebration of cultures, migration, identity, and the shared love of a game that brings the world together.

Many of the world's greatest football nations are shaped by immigrant communities, and the tournament itself reflects the beauty of people from every corner of the world coming together in friendly competition.

That is why the growing concerns surrounding immigration enforcement during this year's World Cup in the United States cast a troubling shadow over the event. Reports from immigrant advocates, human rights organizations, and fans suggest that fear of detention, deportation, and racial profiling may prevent some people from fully enjoying and participating in the world's biggest sporting celebration.

The World Cup should be a time when barriers come down, communities unite, and people proudly celebrate their heritage. When fear replaces joy, the spirit of the game suffers.

As we look ahead to the matches, we hope the values that make the World Cup so special, belonging, inclusion, and global connection, remain at the center of the games for everyone.

Read the article:

Fear of ICE threat concerns fans, including Haitians in Massachusetts, where one of their biggest diasporas resides.

06/05/2026

June is Immigrant Heritage Month!

This month, we celebrate the stories, cultures, achievements, and countless contributions immigrants have made and continue to make in our community and our country. Immigrants strengthen our neighborhoods, enrich our culture, drive innovation, and help build a more vibrant and welcoming Akron.

Want to learn more about the diverse experiences of immigrants and refugees? Visit our self-education page, where you'll find books, movies, podcasts, articles, and other resources that explore immigrant stories, histories, and contributions.

Learn more: https://www.iiakron.org/self-education

By learning from one another, we can build a stronger, more informed, and more inclusive community. ❤️🌎

06/04/2026

Happy Pride Month from the International Institute of Akron!

This month, we're proud to celebrate the diversity, strength, and resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals in our community and around the world!

We stand with LGBTQ+ immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers and remain committed to building a welcoming community where everyone can live with dignity, safety, and belonging.🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

05/29/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Tribute to Phil Palumbo: Happy 100th Birthday concert in Akron!

Because of your incredible support, this special evening raised $2,500 for the International Institute of Akron. We are deeply grateful to the organizers, performers, attendees, and community members who came together to celebrate the life and legacy of Phil Palumbo through music and community.

The night was filled with unforgettable performances from Phil’s former bandmates and friends, honoring a beloved Akron musician whose impact continues to bring people together. We are honored to have been one of the beneficiaries of this meaningful tribute to a true Akron legend.

05/27/2026

Eid al-Adha Mubarak to all who are celebrating. 🌙

Eid al-Adha is a time of prayer, reflection, generosity, and community for Muslims around the world. As families and communities gather in celebration, we honor the values of compassion, sacrifice, and care for others that are central to the holiday.

If you’d like to learn more about Eid al-Adha, the Hajj pilgrimage, and their significance, visit: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/what-to-know-about-the-hajj-eid-al-adha-and-their-significance-to-muslims-around-the-world

05/27/2026

Our latest newsletter is here!

This month at IIA, we’re sharing community stories, cultural celebrations, new resources, and ways you can stay connected and support immigrant and refugee families in our community.

Read the full newsletter here: https://www.iiakron.org/blog/2026/5/27/may-at-iia-community-stories-cultural-celebration-and-continued-advocacy

05/25/2026

IIA's office will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.

We wish everyone a safe holiday!

05/21/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental health challenges in immigrant communities are often shaped by stigma, cultural barriers, limited access to care, and the lasting effects of displacement and isolation. Creating stronger, more informed, and more compassionate communities starts with education and open conversation.

Learn more about these challenges, and explore resources, tools, and opportunities for self-education at iiakron.org/self-education