Immigration Heritage Month Celebration
March 13, 2026

The Impact of Immigrant Heritage Month on the Boulder Community

Funded by the City of Boulder Human Relations and Arts & Culture Commissions, and implemented by Ilalle Hill Organization. We deeply appreciate our partnership with the Har HarShem synagogue, which provided an excellent location. We look forward to our continued relationship that will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.


The Immigrant Heritage Month celebration in Boulder created a powerful and inclusive space that honored the diversity, resilience, and contributions of immigrants in our community. Although the South Sudan community was featured and contributed significantly to the event preparation work, we stand with and advocate for all immigrants and refugees from wherever they come.


The event brought together residents of all backgrounds to reflect, celebrate, and advocate for shared belonging, justice, and equity.

Embracing Cultural Diversity

Breathtaking colors of our planet
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Cultural preservation

Portraits of people from around the globe
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Community members experienced a vibrant showcase of heritage through traditional African dances, solo musical performances, and a display of historic African artifacts, including stools, shields, wood carvings, and ceremonial items.


Women in traditional goat-skin attire performed ancestral dances, expressing cultural pride and intergenerational storytelling through rhythm and movement.


Cultural culinary delicacies were shared generously, fostering joyful moments of interpersonal connections and shared learning among attendees.

Embracing Cultural Diversity

Breathtaking colors of our planet
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Cultural preservation

Portraits of people from around the globe
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Youth Recognition and Storytelling


The event honored local immigrant and refugee youth, highlighting their academic and leadership achievements as powerful symbols of hope and perseverance.


Through poetry, prayer, storytelling, and a shared moment of silence, the community reflected on our shared migration journey. We celebrated strength found in resilience, hope and honored memories.


Education, Advocacy, and Dialogue


Elders shared oral histories and cultural traditions, encouraging younger generations to embrace their roots with pride.


The event, African food delicacies, and open to the public, created space for meaningful conversations about immigration policy, human rights, and the lived experiences of newcomers. It served as a platform to promote civic engagement and advocate for inclusive, compassionate immigration reform.


Goals Realized


Celebrated immigrant contributions to the arts, culture, innovation, and public service.

Fostered intercultural dialogue and challenged stereotypes through music, dance, and shared cuisine.

Empowered immigrant voices by spotlighting local leaders, artists, storytellers, and advocates.


Lasting Impact


This Immigrant Heritage Month event did more than celebrate diversity—it reinforced a shared vision of unity, inclusion, and community pride.

It built stronger bridges between neighbors, elevated historically underrepresented voices, and affirmed Boulder’s commitment to being a

welcoming, vibrant, and equitable city for all.




Embracing Cultural Diversity

Breathtaking colors of our planet
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Cultural preservation

Portraits of people from around the globe
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Event 2: Immigrant Voices of Freedom Celebration

August 25, 2026
On July 18, 2026, in partnership with the City of Boulder, Ilalle Hill Organization hosted an Immigrant Heritage Month celebration. The community gathering brought Boulder residents together to recognize and honor the cultures, customs, and contributions of our immigrant communities. The program featured Nepalese and Ugandan dancers, whose performances highlighted the richness of their cultural heritage and provided attendees a meaningful opportunity to engage with traditions and identities represented within Boulder’s immigrant community. Ilalle Hill Organization expresses its sincere appreciation to all volunteers who generously contributed their time and effort to prepare delicious food for attendees, which added hospitality, cultural authenticity, and a welcoming atmosphere to the event. The main speaker, a representative of the Nepalese community, delivered remarks emphasizing that the City of Boulder belongs to all its residents and we should all be mutually supportive of each other. This message underscored the importance of inclusion and reflected the purpose of Immigrant Heritage Month.  Special recognition is extended to Nangolehituk Peter, our Community Coordinator, for his leadership in organizing and coordinating this public event, and for Alyssa Perkins, Program Coordinator for emceeing. Ilalle Hill Organization also acknowledges Frank DeDominicis, a Global Goodwill Ambassador and senior advisor to our organization. Also, we thank the community women who prepared South Sudanese, Sudanese, East African, and Mediterranean cuisine. Their contributions demonstrated the commitment, service, and collaboration that continue to strengthen community engagement. This year’s celebration further reflected the growing partnership between Ilalle Hill Organization and the City of Boulder, whose continued support demonstrates meaningful appreciation for the organization’s work within the community. The City of Boulder continues to support events that celebrate community involvement, culture, identity, tradition, dance, heritage, and sharing nutritious food, which all contributes to fostering connections among residents. The Immigrant Heritage Month celebration served as a meaningful expression of unity, inclusion, and community partnership. The Ilalle Hill Organization extends gratitude to the Chamber staff, all performers, volunteers, speakers, and partners who contributed to the success of the event. We look forward to continuing and expanding this important work in collaboration with the City of Boulder in the future .

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION SUMMARY REPORT — JUNE 20, 2026

July 27, 2026
The Juneteenth celebration held at the Chamber of Commerce Boulder on June 20, 2026, was meaningful and open to the public event that brought together approximately 60 attendees, including children, families, friends, colleagues and community members. The gathering created a welcoming space for reflection, socialization, learning, celebration, while honoring the significance of Juneteenth day in American history. Frank DeDominicis opened remarks on the program by speaking about the history of Juneteenth and the purpose of the event. His remarks helped frame the celebration as both educational and commemorative, reminding attendees of the importance of recognizing Juneteenth as a symbol of freedom, justice, love, inclusion, togetherness, embracing one another and resilience. The event offered an opportunity for the community to come together in shared understanding and appreciation. One of the highlights of the celebration was the meal, which featured South Sudanese, East African, and Mediterranean cuisines prepared locally by a wonderful South Sudanese women’s group. The food was enjoyed by all with gratitude for the event and created a warm setting for connection and conversation. Children also added to the festive atmosphere by gathering around a whiteboard to draw with washable markers, bringing energy and joy to the event. Boulder City Mayor Aaron Burk shared positive remarks and encouraged community leaders to embrace one another in recognition of Juneteenth as a foundation of the community. He emphasized the importance of unity, respect, and togetherness across differences. Guests spent time socializing, sharing stories, and enjoying one another’s company in an atmosphere filled with high energy, laughter, and community spirit. We are grateful to the City of Boulder for providing this opportunity for the community to come together in celebration.