6 Birmingham organizations engaging cultures from around the world

Birmingham is growing, meaning more and more people from different cultures and places are making The Magic City their home. One of the best things you can do for yourself is immerse yourself in cultures that aren’t your own, allowing you to build a community and learn more about the people around you. Read on to learn about these six organizations engaging and providing resources for people from different cultures and ethnicities.

1. Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation

Are you looking to enjoy and celebrate Asian arts and cultures right here in Bham? Alabama Asian Cultures Foundation (AACF) is enabling Alabamians—no matter their ethnicity—to do this. This foundation helps artistic and cultural organizations thrive within Asian communities in the Greater Birmingham Area and across the state.

With a motto of “unity in diversity,” AACF created educational and cultural programs to foster understanding for those who are looking to learn more. They also have an abundance of fun opportunities to meet people in the community and to see Asian traditions in action like their moon viewing festival and Lunar New Year celebration.

• Location: 3429 Meadow Woods Dr, Birmingham, AL 35216
• Contact: Website | Facebook

2. Alabama Germany Partnership

Oktoberfest may have just ended, but that doesn’t mean Germany’s influence in our state has to stop. Thanks to the Alabama Germany Partnership, you can experience parts of Germany’s culture right here in Birmingham year-round. This nonprofit plans opportunities throughout the state for you to build educational, business, cultural and social relationships among individuals and organizations with ties to Germany. From drinks to a German holiday dinner, this nonprofit’s events are both fun and delicious. Cue the schnitzel.

One reason this is a big deal is because our state has numerous German companies, such as Mercedes-Benz in Vance. This nonprofit offers networking and educational opportunities for these businesses.

• Location: 1900 International Park Dr, Ste 105, Birmingham, AL 35243
• Contact: Website | Facebook

3. Birmingham Sister Cities

Our world just got a bit smaller—The Magic City is connecting with cities around the world to develop our community on a global scale. This is due to the work of Birmingham Sister Cities. The nonprofit works to strengthen Birmingham’s relationship with foreign cities through projects and cultural exchanges.

In order to do this, Birmingham Sister Cities has partnered with international cities, including:

• Anshan, China
• Plzeň, Czech Republic
• Liverpool, England
• Winneba, Ghana
• Székesfehérvár, Hungary
• Rosh Ha’ayin, Israel
• Kingston, Jamaica
• Hitachi, Japan
• al-Karak, Jordan
• Guediawaye, Senegal
• Vinnytsia, Ukraine

From helping a community in Ghana build a library to a haiku exchange, Birmingham Sister Cities is helping us work with and better understand cultures across the globe.

• Location: 710 20th St N #3, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram

4. Crescent Cultural Community Center

With a reggae festival and Kwanzaa celebrations, Crescent Cultural Community Center is uniting community members from various African heritages. This community center is shining a light on these places and cultures through education and social enrichment.

The fun doesn’t stop there—they have an abundance of events to tie the community together, including yoga classes and reggae and poetry open mic nights. They’re all about creating unity and providing a space to learn about and practice different customs.

• Location: 1121 Tuscaloosa Ave, Birmingham, AL 35211
• Contact: Facebook

5. ¡HICA!

Dreams and aspirations are more achievable for Latinos with the help and work of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!). From helping Latinos gain citizenship to finding scholarships for students, this nonprofit equips the growing Latino community in Birmingham with the resources they need to succeed.

Whether you’re looking for legal help or just a delicious tamale, ¡HICA! is always here to lend a helping hand.

• Location: 117 Southcrest Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
• Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram

6. Japan-America Society of Alabama

Looking to network? That’s where Japan-America Society of Alabama (JASA) steps in. This nonprofit has a mission to help Japanese businesses in Alabama. They’re all about making it easier to foster new friendships—both personal and professional. JASA creates opportunities to meet new community members through their educational and cultural programming. Plus, they host an abundance of events that create a better understanding different customs, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival.

• Location: 2081 Columbiana Rd #10, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
• Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram 

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