Frederick County community members salutes its cultural diversity

FREDERICK, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Communities in Frederick are taking the time to celebrate the opportunities they have in the U.S. after a White House proclamation marked the end of Immigrant Heritage Month and diverse cultures.

Matthew Nimpson fled Liberia, West Africa for the U.S. and is happily settled in Frederick.

“People come from around the world [come] to live the American Dream,” Nimpson said. “Myself, an immigrant, I came to this country [the U.S.] after fleeing [my] country that had been going through 14 years of civil war.”

Nimpson now helps immigrants process their U.S. citizenship.

Sophia Rodriguez, from El Salvador, feels at home in the country’s cultural melting pot.

“My environment was always welcoming and kind of encouraging for those communities to group together and find the things that make them similar or different; and all the bonding,” Rodriguez said.

Community health worker, Min Shain, from Burma, advises immigrants to try and find their community in the U.S.

“If you’re from Burma try to find the Burmese community. If you’re from China, try to find the Chinese community,” Shain said. “Learn from seniors — those who have been through the experience.”

Frederick County Executive, Jessica Fitzwater, loves the cultural diversity in Frederick.

“We love to celebrate our arts and culture here,” Fitzwater said. “So much has to do with the folks that have come here from all different countries celebrating their own cultures.”

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