City of Tulsa Chosen as Host City of Welcoming America's Welcoming Week
The City of Tulsa is set to celebrate Welcoming Week 2025 that will take place from September 11 to 21. This is the fifth year the City is taking part in the annual nationwide and global celebration that recognizes that cities being welcoming to people of all backgrounds — no matter where they come from.
The week celebrates what makes people more economically competitive who add vibrancy to neighborhoods that benefit all residents.
This year, the City of Tulsa has been chosen to be the host of Welcoming America's Welcoming Week. An official Welcoming Week kickoff event will be held at the Gathering Place QuikTrip Great Lawn on September 12 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Activities include cultural performances, interactive activities and resource tables.
This year's theme of Welcoming Week is "Stories We Share." During the week, residents will share their experiences and find common ground and connection through shared causes and interests.
Welcoming Week events and workshops that highlight and provide learning opportunities for different cultures and countries include:
Naturalization Ceremony
Thursday, September 11, 11 a.m. – Noon
City Hall Council Chambers (175 E. 2nd St. S., Tulsa, OK 74103)
Hosted by: City of Tulsa & USCIS
The City of Tulsa will host its 50th naturalization ceremony. USCIS officials will administer the oath of allegiance and present Certificates of Naturalization. Mayor Monroe Nichols will welcome the newly naturalized citizens as the ceremony’s keynote speaker, with a particular focus on 9/11 remembrance. After the ceremony, the new U.S. citizens can register to vote and learn more about the opportunity to get involved in City government operations through Tulsa’s Authorities Boards and Commissions.
Welcoming Week Kickoff Event
Friday, September 12, 5 – 8 p.m.
Gathering Place QuikTrip Great Lawn (2900 S. John Williams Way E. Tulsa, OK 74114)
Hosted by: City of Tulsa & Welcoming America
Tulsa is honored to be selected by Welcoming America as the host city for this year’s national Welcoming Week kickoff event. Join us for the Welcoming Week Kickoff, a community celebration highlighting Tulsa’s diverse cultures and shared values. The event will feature cultural performances, interactive activities, resource tables, and opportunities to connect with neighbors from all backgrounds.
La Fiesta de Tulsa 2025: Festival & Parade
Saturday, September 13; Parade: 3 - 4 p.m., Festival: 4 -9 p.m.
Parade: Cooper Elementary School (1808 S. 123rd E. Ave., Tulsa, OK 74128)
Festival: Hannah Hall, Tulsa, OK (1801 S. Garnett Rd., Tulsa, OK 74128)
Hosted by: Global District, Tulsa Public Schools and Consulate of Mexico in Oklahoma City
Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Day in a unique and vibrant way at La Fiesta de Tulsa 2025: Festival & Parade. This annual event, organized by the Global District in partnership with Tulsa Public Schools and the Consulate of Mexico in Oklahoma City, promises a day filled with culture, joy, and tradition. The celebration will kick off with a parade starting at Cooper Elementary, making its way to Hannah Hall, where the festival will continue with a multicultural celebration. Attendees will enjoy live performances, local vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities for all ages. The event will conclude with the traditional "Grito de Independencia" ceremony, which will be given for the first time in Tulsa by the Consulate of Mexico. This marks a historic and symbolic celebration of Hispanic pride and culture within our community. Learn more at: www.globaldistrict.org/lafiestadetulsa
Youth Basketball Clinic: “Little Desi Dribblers”
Sunday, September 14, 2 – 4 p.m.
Reynolds Center (3208 E. 8th St., Tulsa, OK 74104)
Hosted by: University of Tulsa Women’s Basketball
A free youth basketball clinic that is open to boys and girls in grades K–6 and will introduce kids to the fundamentals of basketball in a fun, welcoming environment.
Talking is Teaching
Monday, September 15; Dinner: 5:45 – 6:15 p.m., Activities: 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Early Learning Works (3120 E. Seminole St., Tulsa, OK 74110)
Hosted by: Early Learning Works by Tulsa Educare
Early Learning Works invites families with children up to 8 years old to join us for this fun opportunity to TALK, READ and SING! This event includes a free dinner, a free book to take home, moving story time with music and more connection and time to enjoy a book with your child. Space is limited! Reserve your spot: earlylearningworks@tulsaeducare.org or (918) 779-6005. Parents must attend with their child(ren).
Understanding Higher Education: A Guide for Immigrant and Refugee Students
Tuesday, September 16, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
TCC Northeast Campus (3727 E. Apache St., Tulsa, OK 74115)
Hosted by: Tulsa Community College, Tulsa Higher Education Consortium, Tulsa Public Schools and Union Public Schools
Tulsa Community College, the Tulsa Higher Education Consortium, Tulsa Public Schools and Union Public Schools invite Tulsa area students and communities to an event designed to share information on education opportunities available in Tulsa. The event will walk participants through how to start or continue a journey toward earning a degree, which can lead to professional independence and economic mobility. Topics will include English as a Second Language (ESL), Graduation Educational Diploma (GED) or high school equivalency, and early education resources for families and caregivers. Light refreshments will be provided.
Success Strategies for Internationally Skilled Immigrants: The American Work Culture
Thursday, September 18, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
7 N Cheyenne Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103
Hosted by: inTulsa
Join inTulsa for an impactful workshop designed to empower Internationally Skilled Immigrants to start a new career, take the next step in their career journey, and expand their local network. This engaging experience will provide practical guidance on the American Work Culture and will feature dynamic speakers and panelists to help you stand out in today’s job market. We will begin and conclude with dedicated time for networking, providing you with opportunities to expand your professional network and build new connections while you enjoy light snacks and refreshing beverages. Register here: https://go.intulsa.com/welcome-week-2025
Tulsa Professional Connector Program Launch
Friday, September 19, Noon to 1 p.m.
City Hall (175 E. 2nd St. S., Tulsa, OK 74103. 10th Floor - South)
Hosted by: City of Tulsa
The Tulsa Professional Connector Program is a community-based program designed to link internationally skilled immigrants with local professionals and employers. Through this program, participants will expand their professional networks, integrate into Tulsa’s workforce and establish successful careers. This is an RSVP-only event. To sign up, please contact Saber Ahmadi: mahmadi@cityoftulsa.org
Who is My Neighbor? Understanding the Immigrant Experience
Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m.
Church of Saint Mary (1347 E. 49th Pl., Tulsa, OK 74105)
Hosted by: Allied Communities of Tulsa Inspiring Our Neighborhoods (ACTION Tulsa)
Ready to unpack common misconceptions about different communities in the United States? Join our upcoming workshop for an engaging session that will clarify facts, foster understanding, and explore next steps to collaborate for the common good in Tulsa. Learn more at: www.actiontulsa.org
ABOUT WELCOMING WEEK AND WELCOMING AMERICA:
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives. To learn more about Welcoming America, visit: www.welcomingamerica.org
.png)
Facebook
Twitter
Mail