For 2023 World Refugee Day, we are inviting the community to join us at the City Foundry for a day-long celebration!  Together we will honor the resilience of refugees, as we build empathy and understanding for their journeys across the community at large. This event will include a variety of cultural performances on an outdoor stage alongside a multicultural market to shop for international vendors and local favorites alike.

World Refugee Day Stage Lineup

11:00 Deepshikha Banerjee (Indian Dance + Dance Lesson)

12:00 Tropical Mood (Latin Band)

1:00 Award Ceremony

2:00 Sumak Kamari (Ecuadorian Dance + Dance Lesson)

3:30 Dragon Drum Bugle Corps

4:30 Dizzy Atmosphere (Jazz Band)

5:45 Chris Stephens (Middle Eastern Music)

6:30–8:00 DJ Carlos

Market Vendors

• Arte Rojo STL
• Ecuadorian Handcrafts
• Illari Peru 

• Aleppo Natural Soap
• ASSAWER STORE
• Bella Bella Boutique
• Gitzell FairTrade
• gravitate2
• Jordan Kay Jewelry
• Kelitu’s World
• Mhasa
• Moon&June Studio
• Peony Threads
• Roots of Africa
• Sweet Momma Blair
• Syrian Crafts
• Ushanga
• Yemen’s House — Henna

Awarding Refugee Supporters

Sponsored by Law Office of Patavee Vanadilok, P.C.

During the World Refugee Day celebration, we will take a moment to recognize the outstanding work by four community members who go above and beyond to support the refugee and immigrant communities and individuals. Join us at 1:00 pm to recognize and celebrate our awardees!

• Global Bridge Builder Award for those fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among immigrants and refugees, helping newcomers integrate into their new communities, and creating a more inclusive society for all.
• Youth Community Champion Award for a young person demonstrating exceptional leadership, dedication, and a passion for creating positive change, tackling pressing community issues, improving the lives of community members, and inspiring others to take action.
• New Horizons Achievement Award for a business or organization founded by a first-generation immigrant or refugee with visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Community Advocacy Award for tirelessly working as a community advocate for the immigrant and refugee population, promoting the rights and well-being of newcomers in their communities.

RSVP to our World Refugee Day Celebration

About World Refugee Day (via UNHCR)

2023 World Refugee Day Theme: Hope away from Home. A world where refugees are always included.

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

The 2023 theme of World Refugee Day is hope away from home. Including refugees in the communities where they have found safety after fleeing conflict and persecution is the most effective way to support them in restarting their lives and enable them to contribute to the countries hosting them. It’s also the best way to prepare them to return home and rebuild their countries, when conditions allow them to do so safely and voluntarily, or to thrive if they are resettled to another country.

World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.