by Asfa Awan
Preparations for this year’s World Refugee Day event began against a backdrop of institutional nervousness and in an increasingly precarious political environment.
Challenges almost prevented an in-person event, and left community members questioning – are refugees still safe and welcome in Austin? On June 13, in the packed ballroom of the Asian American Resource Center with an average of 300 attendees, we got our answer.
In addition to being a celebration of the strength and resilience of refugees, World Refugee Day was a display of the true power of community. The event was made possible only through the joint efforts of refugee communities, community leaders, community organizations, volunteers, Austinites, and the City of Austin, which secured the Asian American Resource Center as the venue. Together, the event celebrated the contributions of refugee communities and their continued belonging and active participation in the civic and cultural life of Austin.
The event was organized by ARR (Austin Refugee Roundtable) – an umbrella of many organizations and individuals which serves refugees – and featured varied cultural programs, entertainment and activities, educational initiatives, food and refreshments, a powerful storytelling segment, and a symbolic pigeon release.
Entering the foyer, ARR tabled to provide information about their services, CST (Center for Survivors of Torture) provided the welcoming table, and CCNS (Community Coalition for Neighborhood Stability) provided interpretation services for Arabic, Pashto, and Burmese speakers.
Heading into the ballroom, there were multi-cultural and multi-lingual activities such as children’s drawing, led by Girl Forward. Attendees of all ages contributed to community canvas painting, which was later displayed on stage, led by an iACT staff member and her artist husband. Henna art was led by CCNS in three distinct cultural styles: Afghan, Syrian and Asian, representing the communities they primarily serve.
GII (Global Impact Initiative), iACT (Interfaith Action of Central Texas) and World Relief set up education tables centering on refugee journeys and the resettlement process, including sharing information on Afghanistan, Venezuela, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the neighboring countries refugees escaped to.
A lunch featuring Afghan Cuisine and refreshments was sponsored by iACT in collaboration with the University Baptist Church, NAMCC (North Austin Muslim Community Center), and Dawoodi Mosque. ICNA (Islamic Center of North America) also distributed groceries.
The event was MC’d by Safaa al Mahamid, a Syrian refugee serving as CCNS President and KOOP Community Council Chair. In her introduction, she spoke about the changes in this year’s WRD celebration story, challenges faced in organizing the event, and highlighted the role of the community. Refugees who revolted against dictatorship, fled conflict zones and war, were able to exercise what it means to vote for an in person celebration event and be accountable for the responsibility that comes with it, from volunteering to implement the event to bringing stability to their social public place.
The event started with a powerful storytelling segment by CCNS, in which two refugee families, one Syrian and one Afghan, shared portions of their journey and their life in the United States and directly spoke to the audience in their own voices.
After the storytelling segment, and in a historic move acknowledging refugee communities, the City of Austin representative took the stage to announce the city proclamation designating June 13 as World Refugee Day in Austin!
Music then brought the community’s culture alive. Performances by Afghan singer Wahab Rasouli, the multi-cultural fusion band Indimaj, whose name itself means fusion in Arabic, and a Matu Burmese dance group narrating the story of harvest season were coordinated and sponsored by CCNS.
Out in the garden, the most memorable part of the event was underway. A pigeon release was held during community singing in the garden, which captivated attendees of all ages and symbolised hope, freedom and new beginnings for a group that has endured such hardship.
This activity, along with parking guidance, a community safety group, professional photography, videography and security were done by CCNS volunteers, community partners and networks.
Media for the event was primarily undertaken by KOOP Radio, which has World Refugee Day as an annual Community Council Celebration Event. KOOP Radio coordinated promotion for the event through mobilization at the station, airing of an event PSA, social media and web content, as well as programing for the whole month of June.
Post-event work is still ongoing. CCNS is documenting and will be conducting a survey and outreach to gather feedback on the event for future improvement, with the goal of maintaining trust and connection, fulfilling commitments, ensuring community engagement and civic participation; which, in the first place, is what allowed CCNS to mobilize their base and make up the bulk of attendees, demonstrating that refugee communities continue to value gathering together in public spaces.
KOOP Radio volunteers who conducted interviews with attendees during the event will be using it to help amplify and preserve refugee voices.
This event was also made possible through the support and welcoming spirit of Austinites.