"Walking Together, Weaving the World" threading solidarity into local World Refugee celebrations

Photos by Cherrie Hanson

On World Refugee Day at Lynden Sculpture Garden, 2145 W. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee, Yvone Chandja and Why Not Now Mission (Congolese) were one of a dozen craft market participants. The upcycled hand woven baskets are made by local refugee women.

The United Nations designates June 20 as World Refugee Day, an international recognition to honor refugees around the world. In Milwaukee, multiple events covered a week of solidarity, celebrating the strength and courage of people forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

Wisconsin’s Poet Laureate, Brenda Cárdenas opened the World Refugee Day commemoration at Milwaukee City Hall on Friday morning. Samera Osman recited her award-winning speech, detailing her reflection on this year’s World Refugee Day theme. Co-emcees, Mala Nan Leth (Karen) and Ifeoluwapo Tolorunju (Nigerian) presented speakers from, Wisconsin Department of Children and Families – Bureau of Refugee Programs, International Institute of Wisconsin, Hmong American Peace Academy, United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin Bureau of Refugee Programs and government officials.

On Sunday June 22, Lynden Sculpture Garden hosted its seventh annual World Refugee Day (WRD) celebration. The HOME Refugee Steering Committee and event co-host, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families – Bureau of Refugee Programs, collaborated on a more localized Wisconsin based theme, Walking Together, Weaving the World.

Syrian vendor Fairouz’s owner Suheir Rashid brought an amazing collection of jewelry, clothing and gifts.

A spokesperson from Lynden Sculpture Garden’s HOME program shared how the new theme defined their committee’s view on the meaning of World Refugee Day. “This year we thought, instead of waiting to see what the U.N. comes up with, let’s think of something more localized, so it connects back to the communities we work with, that we also identify with.

“Lyndens’ Refugee Steering Committee hopes that this year’s theme will “thread the needle” that speaks to each local community and its efforts for unity and interconnectedness and to refugees worldwide.

Returning again this year, Hmodern Made by Hmong artist, Ashley Xiong showcased her beautiful jewelry and hair accessories.

HOME’s 2025 World Refugee Day theme and celebration of the arts include four messages:

to uplift the cultures and strengths of refugees “who have made it to the other side” as they create a new life and home in our cities and neighborhoods, and to acknowledge the journey of being forcibly displaced;
to highlight the work and importance of community, and to appreciate those who provide ongoing support, services, and programs to refugees—including leaders, grassroots workers, and those working in all sectors and fields, from governments to nonprofits and businesses;
to gather and to celebrate alongside refugees who lead, organize, and participate in World Refugee Day, and in their own community building and development—in addition to those who work in service in refugee communities;
to envision a brighter future for all of humanity—a future of resilience and beauty, that includes refugee artists, advocates, and scholars in the arts and the creative field.

The eye-catching selection of African men’s and women’s clothing, artwork, beadwork and Tanzanian African fabrics are curated by Monica Ashery of Mchete’s African Treasures.

The Lynden the spokesperson concluded with “And in addition to that, with an embodiment of everything that is happening, we wanted to extend a message to support Black/African American and Indigenous communities, and those who are close to the refugee community that share similar stories of displacement.”

Traditional Indonesian dancer, Dian Novita, created an interactive session for others to join her on stage.

Despite the heat and humidity, people gathered. It was a feast of solidarity and friendship. Zarifa Saadat, Afghan refugee support services coordinator for the International Institute of Wisconsin was the event host and master of ceremonies.

There were interactive dance performances, an Afghan, Burmese and Indonesian buffet, cultural craft booths, a poetry walk, Multilingual Story Time and booths with reps from sponsoring agencies and community organizations that support immigrants and refugees.

Dian Novita, a traditional Indonesian performer, inspired others to join her in the dance tent. When Palestinian dabke group, Al Muharebeen stomped onto the stage, their energy inspired the crowd into a high-spirited dance party.

Palestinian dabke group, Al Muharebeen inspired the audience to join them in a high energy dance circle.

The Lynden spokesperson shared her thoughts on what was unique about this year and the challenges not only facing immigrants and refugees, but the organizations that serve and support them. She said, “A lot of the sponsors are new this year, people we’ve been working with in different capacities have come in as sponsors. Others are saying, ‘We think you do great work and we want to be a part of this now.

“The entrance fee to Lynden is free so if people sign up to be members, they get reduced rates for workshops and events, which all goes back to support our programming.”

President and CEO of International Institute of Wisconsin, Paul Trebian, Ed.D.

There are two more outdoor events at Lynden to add to your summer schedule. July 19, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. the HOME Family Workshop Day will be a day of free, family-friendly art making activities featuring a multicultural embroidery circle with Afghan, Hmong, Palestinian and other community members.

Then at 4 p.m. – a bombazo with Milwaukee-based musical group, Batey del Lago. Participants will explore traditional Puerto Rican bomba percussion instruments, learn songs and practice dance movements. Bomba is Puerto Rico’s oldest musical tradition and still practiced today as a form of resistance and cultural identity.

The Citizenship Celebration on Aug. 9 is the finale of HOME’s World Refugee Day events. In partnership with the Community Center for Immigrants, new Americans will have a naturalization ceremony at Lynden Sculpture Garden.

Federal Judge Nancy Joseph and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) representatives will naturalize immigrants into American citizens.

The Afghan, Burmese and Indonesian food buffet was served indoors and enjoyed picnic-style under the shade.

The team from International Institute of Wisconsin were one of many organizations that supported World Refugee Day 2025.

Face painting was offered by the HOME’s Be the Change! a young women and girls’ art and leadership program.

Keeping cool at the Muslim Women’s Coalition table, from left to right, Isabelle Sahraoui, former MWC board member, Amal Jaber, MWC board member, Ream Bahhur, MWC board member, Hadiyyah Clark, director of strategy and community affairs and Ro-Suhana Hafiz, MWC intern.

Dana and Reem Barbarawi, owners of Puffy and Fluffy, are Palestinian makers of crochet plushies, hijabs and ma’moul cookies.

Answering questions at the Hanan Refugee Relief Group table, from left to right, Sheila Badwan executive director and Sarah Manikowski-Lathrum, ESL coordinator.