‘Our country is stronger because of it’: Nearly 1,000 Greater Houston residents gain citizenship

Moments after taking their citizenship oath on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at M.O. Campbell Educational Center, nearly 1,000 new Americans were welcomed with cultural celebrations representing the rich, multi-national landscape of Greater Houston. Vietnamese musicians plucked the strings of the đàn tranh, South African Mzansi dancers performed traditional routines, Bollywood dancers bounced to energetic music, and Baile Folklorico dancers demonstrated their faldeo techniques, twirling and swishing their colorful skirts.

The vibrant cultural celebration was organized by grantee Bonding Against Adversity(opens in new window) as its annual Constitution and Citizenship Day, celebrating the power and promise of citizenship. 

Houston Endowment President and CEO Elisa Villanueva Beard, who spoke at the event, noted the performances reflected the unique journey of each new citizen.

“Looking out at this room, I see leaders. Entrepreneurs. Caregivers. Teachers. I think about the families here — the parents, children, grandchildren, and neighbors whose lives will be shaped by what you're doing this morning,” she said. “Each of you carries your own [story]: shaped by different paths, different countries, and different dreams. Today, those stories become part of our shared American story. And our country is stronger because of it.”