Broward County Celebrates World Refugee Day June 20

FT. LAUDERDALE – Broward County Refugee Services and Broward County Libraries Division Outreach Services have partnered with the Broward Community College Project Renew to host a World Refugee Day celebration Wednesday, June 20, 5-8 p.m., at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale. The event is free and open to the public.

The theme for this year’s World Refugee Day program is “A New Home, A New Life,” highlighting the struggles and triumphs of refugees throughout the community. Former refugees will share success stories of their integration into Broward County. The program will also feature an art exhibit, and cultural dance and music performances by local artists, also former refugees.

“We are honored to host this event and acknowledge our clients,” says Leland Wilson, section manager of Broward County Refugee Services. “Every year, we serve more than 600 refugees from Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Venezuela, and other countries that arrive to Broward County, looking to restart lives. We help them get turned around, and they give us the rich diversity of their cultures and the tenacity of their spirit.”

In 2000, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 20 as World Refugee Day to recognize the strength and resilience of refugees throughout the world. Since then, it has become a commemoration marked by several events in over 100 countries.

Broward County Refugee Services offers programs and services to refugees, asylees, and Cuban and Haitian entrants with the goal of leading to economic and social self-sufficiency.

For additional information on World Refugee Day and other programs, visit www.broward.org/family and click on Refugee Services.