Immigration has historically brought richness to the United States. On June 18th the City of Tucson celebrated refugee’s contributions to this history and tradition. Held at Catalina Magnet High School, this city wide event was organised by many community organisations including the International Rescue Committee in Tucson.
Donas enjoying one of the crafting booths on World Refugee Day
Photo: Azhar Jamal/IRC
The festivities ranged from cultural performances, engagement speeches, a youth citizenship ceremony, and a variety of interactive booths that reflect the roots and backgrounds of refugees.
The crowd enjoyed the cultural performances, particularly by the youth, as they saw their cultures celebrated. A Nepali Dance Group performed a traditional dance with a twist of western music. An African dance duo donned a traditional dress that flowed along to their movements. In an all-white, Sari inspired, jewel-spattered dress, a ten year-old Nepali girl won the hearts of the crowd with her dance presentation.
In addition to the performances, a Youth Citizenship Ceremony took place to honor the youth for becoming new American citizens. This ceremony honored a diverse set of youth, as nine countries of former nationalities were represented. The children came from: Chad, Gabon, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia, and Tanzania. Families of the new American citizens shared their heartfelt thoughts and gratitude to their children, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the organisations that hosted the event.
IRC Tucson Eligibility and Enrollment Case Manager, Mr. Ibrahim Hussein,
Receiving Outstanding Front-Line Staff Award
Receiving Outstanding Front-Line Staff Award
Photo: Azhar Jamal/IRC
Keynote speakers from resettlement agencies and community organisations shared their sentiments about the prominence of refugees. IRC Tucson Executive Director, Jeffrey Cornish, highlighted the significance of refugees. He emphasized that refugees are assets to our community, as they become contributing members who pay taxes, start their own businesses, and purchase homes. Mr. Cornish, along with other community leaders, highlighted key services provided to refugees. Life changing services such as cultural orientations and job readiness training provide refugees with the opportunity they need to successfully resettle in Arizona. Providers of these services were honored, and a select few were chosen for the “Outstanding Front-Line Staff Award”, including IRC Tucson Eligibility and Enrollment Case Manager, Mr. Ibrahim Hussein.
Every year, the U.S. government grants admission to thousands of refugees who cannot return to their homeland, giving them the opportunity to enjoy safety and freedom in the United States. Once in the United States these refugees are able to rebuild their lives and enrich the communities around them. This World Refugee Day, the Tucson community united to celebrate the spirit of refugees and their accomplishments.
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