Here we are in June already! We want to take this moment to make sure you are aware of Juneteenth events happing around Maine, and World Refugee Day events across the country.

• Juneteenth in Lewiston with COA at Benjamin Mays Center, June 20, 4:30PM - 7PM. (Pictured above)

• Juneteenth in Biddeford, hosted by Maine Black Chamber of Commerce at Rotary Park, 550 Main St., June 19, 3PM - 5PM

• Juneteenth in Brewer/Bangor, the City of Brewer's Freedom Park (at the corner of State St. and North Main St.), June 19 at 11 AM.

• Juneteenth in Freeport at Wolfe's Neck Farm, June 19, 12PM - 4:30PM, centered on joy in the outdoors, including: harvesting green crabs, birdwatching, hiking, creating art, and more.

• Juneteenth in Westbrook at Riverbank Park, June 19 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM, hosted by the Intercultural Community Center 

It's been another busy month. We skipped sending our monthly newsletter in May, as we had a lot of important messages to put in front of you without the chance to compile it into a single spot, including: Our 2025 Annual Report, news of May increases in reported ICE detentions, our LighthouseME site launch, our Hotline volunteer newsletter, and our call on FIFA to uphold a standard of human rights for immigrants during U.S. World Cup events.

If you're new to our newsletter, welcome! Thank you for joining our list. Please share it with your friends, family, and neighbors.

Find us at Thompson's Point

This month Reverb, MIRC and Sebago Clean Waters kicked off an all-summer-long collaboration providing free water refills, immigrant rights info, and watershed protection tips to concert goers. We'll be reaching thousands of fans across Maine and beyond at more than 20 shows.

If you come to a concert, stop by and see us. We'll enter you in a raffle for 6 free concert tickets next season, plus you'll catch a killer sunset over Casco Bay!

Here are some highlights from our first show of the season.

Learn to tell your story through photos

Our new friends at Maine in Focus will be holding a class aimed at empowering immigrant stories.

The class, taught by Michael Kleinfeld. approaches photography both as a craft and a form of communication — learning techniques, studying successful photographers, and taking lots of pictures. After ten weeks students will have created a portfolio and submitted work to a group exhibit.

In Lewiston every Tuesday at 5:30pm from September 14th through November 16th.

Applications due July 1. Apply here!

Did you get $300 from the State of Maine?

Maine is offering a one-time $300 relief payment to help with rising costs. Southern Maine Agency on Aging is partnering with AARP Maine to help eligible older adults and adults with disabilities complete the paperwork needed to access this one-time payment.

Schedule an appointment for assistance in person on July 23, 4:30–6:30 p.m. at Sam L. Cohen Center, 30 Barra Rd., Biddeford by calling 207-396-6500.

Deadline to apply for the money is October 15, 2026. Get More info.

Your student may have money waiting.

If your child was born a Maine resident between 2008–2012, they could have an Alfond Grant worth up to $2,000 today. Get grant-ready before they graduate.

The Alfond Grant can be used to pay for higher education expenses at eligible schools and must be used by the child’s 28th birthday. The funds can be used to pay for tuition, room and board, books and supplies, including computers. Learn more.

Healing Racial Trauma Community Circles

Mindbridge is offering a no cost 8-week community dialogue series. These Community Circles allow participants to explore their racial identity while building a community of collective care.

You'll also have the opportunity to learn more about systemic oppressions and how to build resilience that supports their journey towards improved wellness.

Participants must be over 18, Maine-based residents. Sign-ups are accepted through until June 22nd.

Storytelling Solidarity Suppers

We have one more event in our series of storytelling potluck suppers across the state with Community Plate, MCAN and Presente!.

These dinners bring people together to learn from each other's migration stories, connect with neighbors, and enjoy a meal together.

Our second event took place in Blue Hill last month. Get a glimpse of it here of and join us for the next event in Harrison on June 27.

Watch World Cup matches with us!

MIRC has teamed up with New England African Arts & Entertainment Community Association in Portland and Capital Area New Mainers Project in Hallowell to promote watch parties celebrating the beautiful game of soccer.

Of the Congo DR v. Portugal game, tied at 1-1, Congolese leader Papy Bongibo said, "It was excitement after 52 years going to the World Cup again... a day to remember."

Read some of the news coverage, and plan to join us in Portland on July 19 for the final match of the Cup.

Member Spolight:

Maine MultiCultural Center

The Maine MultiCultural Center (MMCC), serving immigrants throughout Greater Bangor, announces the retirement of founding member and Executive Director Pamela Proulx-Curry and the promotion of Adrián Arias-Palomo to Executive Director from the Program Manager position.

"I am honored to continue the work that Pam helped establish... Every day, we work alongside families as they navigate housing, employment, education, healthcare, language learning, and community integration. We believe that when newcomers are welcomed and supported, our entire community becomes stronger, " said Adrián Arias-Palomo.

For more details, visit mainemulticulturalcenter.org.

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Thank you to all who continue to support MIRC and our members.

Mufalo Chitam

MIRC Executive Director

P.S. If you are able to make a donation to sustain our work in this critical time, we welcome it and thank you immensely.