A Powerful World Refugee Day 2022

Jul 8

Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries (MBMM), ACE Center for New Americans (ACE), and the local community gathered on June 20th at Sampas Pavilion (DCR) at Lowell Heritage State Park to commemorate and celebrate World Refugee Day 2022. This day is meant to recognize the adversities refugees face each year while celebrating their courage and strength to overcome them.

In its fourth year, this year's event was bigger and better than ever. The program was expanded, attendance increased, more countries were represented, and was a success. The event featured several prominent dignitaries, guest speakers, and cultural performers from around the world. Speakers included Lowell Mayor Sokhary Chau, Mary Truong from the Massachusetts Office of Refugees, Yoel & Mari social media influencers and immigration activists, along with refugees from the local community. Each recounted their “Backpack Story” detailing their personal experiences of being a refugee, traveling to the United States, and how they have struggled and prospered since their arrival. Those in attendance were also treated to musical, vocal, and dance performances. We also collected several youth backpacks that will be filled with school supplies

We would like to thank everyone who joined us in person or virtually, the sponsors, guest speakers, cultural performers, and volunteers that made this event possible.

Missed the event or want to learn more about it? Visit our YouTube page to watch our guest speakers deliver their personal messages’.

Favor Nyende

Vocal performance, singing of the American National Anthem.

William Nyende

William Nyende piano performance

Billerica Chamber Singers Ensemble

Young men and women of the Billerica Chamber Singers Ensemble

Lowell International Church Youth Dancers

Salsa Masacote Troupe

Salsa Masacote Dance Troupe dancing to salsa music.

Tom Rush

Tom Rush performs his original song Dreamer.

Guest User