On June 20th Neighborhood House of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Area Refugee Consortium (MARC) hosted Milwaukee World Refugee Day at Pere Marquette Park. World Refugee Day, celebrated by the United Nations and countless civic groups around the world, was created to honor the courage, strength, and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.

This year’s celebration was a great success, uniting a diverse group of individuals connected by their shared pride in calling Milwaukee home. The event featured exciting cultural performances and activities, music, and guest speakers. Mayor Tom Barrett took a moment to share with the crowd the important contributions refugees continue to make to our communities every day.

Milwaukee World Refugee Day is sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Children & Families and MARC partner agencies: Catholic Charities of Southeast Wisconsin, Neighborhood House of Milwaukee- International Learning Center, International Institute of Wisconsin, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Pan African Community Association, and Muslim Community Health Center, refugee communities, and many wonderful volunteers.

For more photos from Milwaukee World Refugee Day, CLICK HERE!