The Legend of Cleveland's International Heritage

Cleveland’s history is an immigrant story.

In this episode, we explore Cleveland’s immigrant history and the international communities that helped build the city — from the Irish, Germans, Poles, Slovenians and Italians who arrived during Cleveland’s industrial rise to newcomers from Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and around the world who continue shaping The Land today.

Hosts Lexi Robinson and John Luteran sit down with Joe Cimperman, president and CEO of Global Cleveland, to talk about Cleveland’s international heritage, his own family’s immigrant story and what generations of newcomers have contributed to the city beyond food, festivals and traditions. They also look at what it means to be a welcoming city, the role immigration can play in Cleveland’s future and why the immigrant experience belongs in the larger American story as the nation commemorates America 250.

Because Cleveland isn’t simply a collection of different cultures. It’s a city those cultures built together — and one that continues to evolve with every new generation that chooses to call it home.

This episode answers:

• How have immigrants shaped Cleveland’s history and culture?
• Who is immigrating to Cleveland today, and how are international newcomers shaping its future?
• What does it mean for Cleveland to be a welcoming city?

Explore Cleveland’s cultures, neighborhoods and communities:
https://www.thisiscleveland.com/things-to-do/culture