Ignite Amplify
Join Empower
Culture and Community
Under Construction
IAJE celebrates the richness of immigrant culture through diverse and engaging community events throughout the year.
IAJE Event Calendar
Our Vision
We believe that culture can unite, heal, and strengthen our communities. We envision IAJE as a vibrant, cultural hub in the center of Jackson. Through our cultural and community initiatives, we create spaces where immigrants and their family can fully express their identitites, share traditions, honor their roots, and build collective power as they forge new connections across Mississippi.
Events
-
IAJE's Día de los Muertos celebration honors ancestral traditions and creates a vibrant space for community connection. This annual event brings together over 200 community members to honor loved ones who have passed through traditional ofrendas (altars), storytelling, and cultural activities. Families join in face painting, candle making, and sharing stories that celebrate those who have passed while strengthening bonds between friends, neighbors, and strangers. The celebration serves as both a cultural touchstone for immigrant communities and a bridge-building opportunity that welcomes all Mississippians to experience and participate in this meaningful tradition.
-
The Queerceañera is IAJE's vibrant summer celebration that honors the beautiful intersection of LGBTQ+ and immigrant identities. This unique event creates an affirming space where community members can embrace and celebrate their full selves without compromise. Through colorful decorations, music, performances, and communal activities, the Queerceañera reimagines the traditional quinceañera celebration through a queer lens, honoring both cultural heritage and LGBTQ+ identity.
-
Mariposas y Mimosas is IAJE's annual celebration that creates a welcoming space for community members, leaders, and allies to connect, network, and build relationships in a relaxed outdoor setting. The event brings together community leaders, politicians, and neighbors to hold space for one another while enjoying refreshments and meaningful conversation. Mariposas y Mimosas grew organically from our community organizing efforts following the 2019 ICE raids in Mississippi, evolving into a cherished annual tradition that strengthens connections across our diverse network.
Named for the butterfly (mariposa) – a symbol of migration, transformation, and resilience – this gathering celebrates the strength and unity of Mississippi's immigrant communities while providing opportunities for relationship-building and coalition development in a joyful atmosphere. It is a testament to IAJE's commitment to creating spaces where community members can forge meaningful connections that ultimately strengthen our collective power and advance our shared vision for justice and equity.
Cultural Celebrations
IAJE celebrates the richness of immigrant culture through diverse and engaging community events throughout the year. From honoring ancestral traditions to fostering leadership development, these cultural celebrations create meaningful spaces for community.
Casa IAJE: The Cultural Institute of Immigrate Justice
Our physical space serves as a Cultural Institute of Immigrant Justice where community members can:
Participate in classes, workshops, and talleres (trainings)
Engage with art, music and cultural exhibitions
Build community through group activities and gather
Coming Up: Connect with labor rights resources
Coming Up: Enjoy our community café space
Through our space, we aim to build cultural capital within immigrant communities, and establish a thriving cultural hub in Jackson.
Cultural Quilt Project
The Cultural Quilt project honors the diverse cultures and experiences within our team and community. Community members contribute symbols, stories, or cultural elements significant to them or related to IAJE's mission, creating a beautiful collective representation of our shared journey.
This project showcases the richness of IAJE's community and the cultures we represent, weaving together our stories into a unified vision.
Project still in planning stage.
Share Your Story With Us
IAJE believes in the power of storytelling to unite communities.
Have a story to share?
Use the form below to add to our growing collection of community stories.