Tuesday March 25, 2008
Abramson Honors Local Organizations for Contributions to Multicultural Community
Mayor Jerry Abramson recognized four individuals and organizations and former congressman Romano Mazzoli for their outstanding contributions to Louisville’s multicultural community through leadership, education, community relations and workforce diversity.
Jefferson Community and Technical College, Miguel Lagunas, Caffé Classico and the University of Louisville Division of General Pediatrics were be honored at a ceremony on March 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the Frazier International History Museum. Nearly 300 attended.
Former Congressman Romano L. Mazzoli earned the Mayor’s International Award for Lifetime Achievement for his distinguished career as a public servant. During his tenure in Congress, Mazzoli provided leadership on immigration reform, while promoting immigration as important to our national identity and economy and deserving of public policy attention. He continues to be involved in raising awareness of immigration issues.
“We’re proud to honor individuals and organizations that have made Louisville a welcoming place for new immigrants and the international community,” Abramson said. “The diversity they are promoting gives Louisville an edge that encourages new people and businesses to move here when they realize this is a thriving community with many possibilities.”
The Mayor’s International Awards are sponsored by the law firm of Middleton Reutlinger. The awards are coordinated by the Louisville Metro Office for International Affairs (OIA), and winners were selected from a pool of 33 applicants by an independent judging panel consisting of last year’s award winners and other individuals with a strong knowledge of Louisville’s international community.
“Our law firm is honored to help recognize the important cultural contributions made in Louisville,” said Charlie Middleton, President of Middleton Reutlinger. “Louisville’s multiculturalism and diversity are great assets of this community.”
In addition, Mayor Abramson gave a special tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Yacoub E. Yacoub, a local leader in Arab-American relations, who recently passed away.
OIA is dedicated to supporting and promoting a vibrant, successful multicultural community through referral, awareness and advocacy. The office focuses its efforts on economic and workforce development, immigration, social services, language assistance, youth development and international protocol for the mayor.
Louisville has several successful programs to welcome and integrate international residents. While Louisville’s share of international residents is lower than the national average, it is growing faster. Between 2000 and 2004, Louisville’s foreign-born population grew by 93 percent, compared with 10 percent nationally.
Currently there are more than 6,000 students in Jefferson County Public Schools who speak a language other than English at home. Collectively, more than 80 languages are spoken by these students who have roots in 120 other countries. The number of students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program has increased by 10% on average during the past several years.
For more information on Louisville’s efforts to support diversity go to the Office for International Affairs website or call MetroCall at 311.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Brenzel, 574-2673 / 759-7684