Philadelphia's Tibetan Community Celebrates New Center

*Tibetan Association of Philadelphia’s new community center in Norristown. Photo Heather Khalifa via Inquirer*

Philadelphia’s Tibetan community has finally found a home in Norristown with the opening of their very own community center. After years of gathering in borrowed spaces, this center offers a permanent place for cultural events and language classes, reported The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Tenzin Shakya, the former school director at the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia, shared the community’s excitement, saying, “We’ve been waiting for so long.” The center is a dream come true for the nearly 200 Tibetans living in the area, providing a space to preserve their rich culture and traditions.

The importance of maintaining Tibetan culture is especially significant given the hardships faced since China’s invasion in 1950. Practices such as speaking Tibetan and wearing traditional clothes are seen as acts of protest against the cultural suppression in their homeland.

Volunteers from the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia, including many skilled in construction, dedicated four months to transform an abandoned church into the vibrant center. The Philadelphia Inquirer highlighted the community’s effort in creating a space that showcases Tibetan heritage, complete with a traditional wooden structure for a Buddha statue, while retaining the church’s original stained-glass windows.

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The grand opening saw a celebration of Tibetan culture, with three generations coming together. Jeffrey Granett, a significant donor to the project, was honored as an “honorary Tibetan.” The event featured traditional dances, food, and attire, showcasing the diversity within the Tibetan community.

Despite its small size compared to other cities, the Philadelphia Tibetan community has shown remarkable growth and unity. The new center not only serves as a cultural hub but also as a symbol of resilience and hope for Tibetans in Philadelphia.

As the community looks forward, there are plans to expand the center further, potentially adding a gym, basketball court, and library. The center aims to welcome not just Tibetans but also those interested in learning about Tibetan culture, as reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

This new community center marks a significant milestone for Tibetans in Philadelphia, ensuring that their culture and traditions continue to thrive far from their homeland.