City of Inclusion: community gathers for conversation on, learning about immigrants and refugees

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and Grand Rapids Public Library joined forces to create a panel discussion and community conversation around issues and themes raised in the upcoming production of “Ragtime: The Musical” that resonate with current events in our community and nation.

The packed house of around 200 attendees required extra chairs be brought in—and still had more standing. Along with panel discussion, audience questions and comments were encouraged. Photo credit Eric Bouwens.

A panel of immigration and refugee experts gave presentations on refugee and immigration experience in Grand Rapids tonight to a standing room only crowd of some 200 people. The panel was sponsored by Grand Rapids Public Library and Grand Rapids Civic Theater in conjunction with the production of “Ragtime: The Musical” at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. The musical includes strong themes of experiences for immigrants. Civic Theatre leaders saw an opportunity to expand on that conversation, started by the arts, with a community event.

Left: The evening starts off with a welcome and introduction of the panel from Grand Rapids Public Library staff. Right: Van Noord and Kragt discuss screening process conducted by the State department on all refugees. Screening for refugees happens before refugees enter the United States and takes between 18 and 24 months. Photos credit Eric Bouwens.

Panelists included: Kristine Van Noord, Program Manager at Bethany Christian Services’ Refugee Adult & Family Programs; Ricardo Tavarez, pastor of En Vivo Church; Kelsey Herbert, Office of Social Justice at the Christian Reformed Church North America (CRCNA); Susan Kragt, Executive Director of West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center (WMRECC); and Irina Nadrau, Grand Rapids Public Library (and Romanian immigrant).

Left: Tavarez outlines role of church advocating for immigrants. Right: Herbert and Tavarez share perspectives. Photos credit Eric Bouwens.

Top: Nadrau discusses her experience coming to the US.. Bottom Left: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre invites attendees to take advantage of ticket discounts as a thank you to the community for being a part of the conversation. Bottom Right: Questions about unaccompanied minors. Photos credit Eric Bouwens.