Brooklyn Center Nonprofit Hosting June 11 World Refugee Day Celebration
Brooklyn Center-based nonprofit CAPI USA is hosting a World Refugee Day celebration from noon to 5 p.m. on June 11.
Located at Centennial Park, the celebration will feature a cultural performance stage, a dance workshop and a storytelling tent.
“It’s really an event to showcase the voices and talents and art of our refugee and immigrant communities,” said Tambryanna Williams, public policy manager for CAPI USA.
Health screenings and other resources are also available for attendees.
CAPI USA is hosting a World Refugee Day celebration on June 11.
Hear Directly from Refugee Community
The organization estimate that 1,500 to 2,000 people will attend.
“People should come out to hear directly from our communities,” Williams said.
She noted the growing refugee populations in the Twin Cites.
“It’s really important that we hear directly from them to hear their stories and hear what brought them to Minnesota, how can we help them and what was their journey like,” Williams said. “This year our theme is our journey, our story. And so it’s important that we allow those communities to share what their journey is so that they write their own narrative.”
CAPI has hosted similar events in the past. However, this is the first year they are the hosting in-person since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Tim Walz is expected to appear at the event at approximately 3:30 p.m.
“We have a lot of different awesome performers coming out — we have a Ukrainian dance group, we have a Jamaican band, a Latino band, so just a wide variety of different performers, singers, dancers, storytelling,” Williams said. “So many different things that will just help us get acclimated with the different cultures that we have here throughout the Twin Cities.”
Several food trucks will serve food at the event. They represent a variety of cultures, Williams said.
“We’ll also have a sports clinic,” Williams said. “We welcome families and children to come out.”
See also: New Immigrant Opportunity Center Opens in Brooklyn Center
