18 Distillation Guidebook Co-Lab • 9.18–9.19 2025 Participants pointed to the Hazleton Integration Project in northeastern Pennsylvania as one example. Founded in 2011, the organization works to ease tensions where long-time residents have been resistant to the arrival of Hispanic immigrants. The organization offers ESL classes, after school programs, and support to run for public office. This helps immigrants establish themselves amid local and national resistance and shape the future of their city. Festivals and Traditions Across geographies, participants emphasized the importance of festivals in their social and cultural life. Many participants from the Lehigh Valley described “a fest happening once a week” or “venues offering something to do every night of the week.” Others expressed a desire to expand the arts and cultural offerings in their communities. In both cases, a handful of participants mentioned they “need more info” and would like “more visibility” of these events. These comments from Bethlehem and New Haven underscore the effects of the insideroutsider divide on access to social and cultural resources. In communities organized around insiders and outsiders, newcomers may be less likely to know about events that circulate primarily through established social networks. In contrast to this perspective, participants mentioned that these festivals and events create “belonging,” celebrate “diversity,” and “encourage connection.” In New Haven, one participant mentioned the city’s “cultural diversity” with “parties! belonging! acceptance!” These events are often tied to specific ethnic communities and bring people together around food and shared heritage. In Bethlehem, one participant pointed to “cultural festivals” and said, “as a community of immigrant cultures, it’s great when these are highlighted.” For many newcomers, cultural festivals and traditions offer a way to maintain a connection to their cultural identity while also inviting other residents to participate. This creates opportunities for newcomers and longer-term residents to come together, and ideally, create a shared appreciation for cultural differences.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0OTQ5OA==