By Tracy Effah, Health Equity Intern
Celebrating Strength
Every year on June 20, communities around the world observe World Refugee Day, a day dedicated to honoring the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees. Established by the United Nations in 2001, this day brings awareness to the experiences of people who were forced to flee their home country due to war, persecution, or violence. They had no choice but to leave behind all they knew or had to survive.
For Dayton, Ohio, World Refugee Day means so much more. Dayton has long been recognized as a welcoming city for immigrants and refugees, and through partnerships with organizations like Welcome Dayton, the city has built a strong support network that uplifts and helps refugees thrive.
Welcoming Community
Many cities in Ohio have a growing population of refugees and immigrants. But what sets Dayton apart is its intentional effort to create an inclusive and safe community for all. Through city initiatives like Welcome Dayton and the work of local organizations such as ours, we are helping them succeed. Ebenezer Healthcare Access' mission is to improve and promote healthcare access by overcoming language and cultural barriers. We help connect refugees and immigrants (as well as underserved populations) with accessible, culturally sensitive healthcare services, which is a part of building a new life in a new place. Because of these efforts, many refugees choose Dayton as their home. The diversity, deep sense of belonging, and compassion make it a place where people don’t just survive, but where they can build a future, raise children, and become a part of a community.
What World Refugee Day Looks Like
To celebrate World Refugee Day, we join events in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus alongside local community partners. These events are filled with music, food, dancing, and storytelling from all around the world. People of all backgrounds and ages come together, not just to celebrate, but to listen, learn, and connect.
Why it Matters
This is an impactful reminder that refugees are not outsiders; they are our friends, neighbors, classmates, and coworkers. Which means they are part of our community, and days like this help us be empathetic and build connections to get rid of isolation. This day reminds us that welcoming and embracing others is important. By honoring the journeys of refugees, we show compassion, shared humanity, and justice to these people. And in Dayton specifically, the message is clear: Everyone deserves a place to call home.
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