World Refugee Day Celebrations around the state
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are forced to leave their home countries because of a well-founded fear of persecution, having been targeted for their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Many of these refugees arrive in Tennessee each year.
In December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 20th, 2001 World Refugee Day in honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. In the years following, refugees and service organizations have used the day to commemorate the plight and contributions of refugees. During the month of June, the Tennessee Office for Refugees and its partners will be gathering at events around the state that aim to raise awareness and educate the community about the rich culture and experiences that these individuals bring to Tennessee. Please check out the events below to find out what's happening in your community.
Nashville
World Refugee Day Celebration
Thursday, June 17th 2010
6:30-8:30 PM
Harambee Auditorium
Scarritt-Bennett Center (Fondren Hall) (map)
The Tennessee Office for Refugees and Scarritt-Bennett will present a panel of refugee speakers from around the world and many walks of life who will share their stories and experiences with resettlement in Tennessee. The discussion will be led by Carol Etherington, Associate Director of the Vanderbilt Institute of Global Health.
View event invitation
Run With the Nations 5K
Saturday, June 19th, 2010
8:00 AM (Registration at 7:00 AM); $20/person
Shelby Bottoms Park (map)
World Relief and African Leadership work to empower the local church to serve the most vulnerable. We provide services in the following areas: housing, medical care, education, teaching English, transportation, employment, and emergency food and rent assistance. We help refugees become self-sufficient through our programs and by working with local churches.
View event webpage
World Refugee Day Celebration
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Nashville International Center for Empowerment office (map)
NICE will host an outdoor celebration featuring ethnic food, music, and crafts made by local refugees. Contact NICE for additional details at (615) 315-9681.
Knoxville
World Refugee Day Celebration
Saturday, June 26, 2010
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tyson Park (large picnic shelter) (map)
Bridge Refugee Services will be hosting a special celebration with food, music, games, and a tour of Knoxville’s Community Nourishment Garden, the produce of which will go to refugees. Contact Bridge for additional details at (865) 540-1311.
Chattanooga
Bridge Refugee Services Open House
Friday, June 18th, 2010
12:00 - 4:00 PM
Bridge Refugee Services / Northminster Presbyterian Church (map)
Bridge Refugee Services in Chattanooga will be hosting an open house here in our office giving the community an opportunity to come and learn about refugee resettlement and meet some of our clients. Light ethnic refreshments will be provided. Contact Bridge for additional details at (423) 954-9288.
Memphis
2nd Annual World Refugee Day Celebration
Saturday, June 19th, 2010
3:30 - 6:30 PM
Christian Brothers University Campus (University Theater) (map)
Catholic Charities of West Tennessee's World Refugee Day celebration will feature performances by the Burundi Children's Choir as well as Burmese and Somali dancers. Contact Vinodini Jayaraman for additional details at (901) 722-4714 or by email.
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