Area has host of ethnic organizations

Several organizations have been established to serve Chattanooga's increasingly diverse community. This is a guide to some of the city's cultural centers and ethnic associations.

* Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 423-266-8658, www.bessie smithcc.org. The interdisciplinary center promotes cultural, educational and artistic excellaence and fosters research and education on African and black heritage. It also is a venue for entertainment.

* Bridge Refugee & Sponsorship Services of Chattanooga, 423-954-1911 or 423-954-9288, http://home.chattanooga.net/~bridge/refugeesasylees.html. A resettlement agency that helps refugees secure housing and jobs.

* Chattanooga Community Business Professionals, www.chattcpb.com. This network of black business owners or aspiring business owners was organized to share information and promote business development. The group meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at Mocha Restaurant & Music Lounge.

* Chattanooga Islamic Center, 423-756-4917. Aids Muslims in meeting their religious, educational, social and cultural needs.

* Chattanooga Chinese Association, www.cca-ccs.org. A nonprofit organization to preserve Chinese traditions, customs, culture and language and to improve the well-being of the Chinese community in the Chattanooga area.

* Filipino-American Community Association, 423-843-0028. Spearheads social and cultural activities while preserving Filipino heritage.

* German-American Club, 423-877-5898. Group meets monthly to socialize and celebrate German and Austrian heritage.

* Gujarati Samaj of East Tennessee, 423-499-2799. Promotes Hindu heritage and culture through social activities, humanitarian efforts and other events.

* Huguenot Society, 423-821-6844, http://huguenot.netnation.com. Local affiliate of the national group that celebrates French Huguenot history through sociocultural opportunities and events.

* India Association of Chattanooga, 423-559-2717, www.indiachattanooga.com. Promotes Indian heritage through cultural events and holiday celebrations.

* International Council of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, 423-763-4345; www.chattanoogachamber.com. Focuses on education and entrepreneurial excellence, economic development, advocacy and strategic partnerships for area immigrants or non-native entrepreneurs.

* Islamic Society of Greater Chattanooga, www.chattislam.org. Offers prayer services and Sunday school for children, among other Islamic and social services.

* Korean Association of Chattanooga, 423-280-7700, www.chattanoogakorean.org. Sponsors activities and assists with cultural transition.

* La Paz Chattanooga, 423-624-8414, www.lapazchattanooga.org. Connects the Latino community to this area through advocacy, education and inclusion.

* Mizpah Congregation Reform, 923 McCallie Ave., 423-267-9771. Provides Jewish religious services and fellowship. Meets every Friday at 5:45 p.m. for refreshments. Service begins at 6:15 p.m. Breakfast and Torah study are at 9 a.m. Saturday. Service starts at 11 a.m.

* National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, 423-267-5637, www.naacp.org. Promotes parity in social, economic, employment and political settings among people of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

* National Coalition of 100 Black Men, Chattanooga chapter, 423-821-6700, www.100bmchatt.org. 100 Black Men is a mentoring organization intended to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for black youth, particularly young black males.

* National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Chattanooga chapter, 423-698-0029, www.ncbw.org. Through education, networking and support, the group works to empower people of color.

* Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, 423-899-8001, www.rainbowpush.org. An international human rights organization committed to economic development, voter registration, health care, jobs, peace, education and justice.

* Sister City Association of Chattanooga, www.chattanooga sistercities.org. Promotes awareness and understanding of diverse nations through communication, education and travel.

* t. Andrews Center, 423-629-9872, www.st-andrewscenter.org. A faith-based multicultural center that serves as a catalyst for arts and education, faith and food initiatives and civic engagement.

* Tennessee Human Rights Commission, 423-634-6837, www.tennessee.gov/humanrights. A state agency charged with preventing discrimination in employment, public accommodations and housing. Central office is in Nashville.

* Urban League of Chattanooga, 423-756-1762, www.ulchatt.net. Empowers minorities to achieve self-reliance, civil rights and economic independence.

* U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association, 423-698-7339, www.uscpfa.org. Area affiliate of national network aimed at strengthening the relationship between Chinese and Americans.

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