WORCESTER, Mass. — June 20, 2026 — Sarah DuBard

On June 12, community members, elected officials, service providers, and refugee families gathered in Worcester to celebrate World Refugee Day, an international observance established by the United Nations to honor the courage, resilience, and contributions of people who have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict, persecution, and violence.

Recognized annually on June 20, World Refugee Day provides an opportunity for communities around the world to celebrate refugees’ achievements while raising awareness about the challenges they continue to face.

The event was organized by Ascentria Care Alliance, the Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC), and the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS), and hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Worcester’s celebration brought together residents from across the region to recognize the strength, culture and diversity that refugee communities bring to Massachusetts.

The evening featured cultural performances, traditional foods, games, and remarks from community leaders. As attendees learned about resources at tables of participating organizations, others enjoyed crafts and traditional art, such as henna.

Wagma, a student and henna artist from Afghanistan, explained that since coming to the United States in 2020, henna has allowed her to remain connected to her Afghan culture. “It is part of my culture,” she explained. “We do it at weddings, parties, and our holiday called Eid.”

Throughout the evening, attendees shared stories of perseverance and hope. Cristina*, a 20-year-old student and Ascentria foster program participant from Colombia who has lived in the United States for three years, reflected on what World Refugee Day means to her: “I like this day because you can see different people and how hard they work to stay here,” she explained. “Everyone has a different culture, but we’re all just people.” Now living in Worcester with her son and foster mom, Cristina* works at Market Basket while completing high school and hopes to study psychology in college.

After Sun Lion Dance Troop’s energizing drum performance and a traditional Afghan dance, the Worcester Dance Project took to the stage. The group’s lead performer, Jean Sebastian Duvilaire, waved the Haitian flag, encouraging the crowd to join him in dancing along to the Conga playing of Ascentria’s own Menahem Ben Bichotte. One group member, Leika Cherubin-Casseus, who performed a spoken poetry piece about the resilience of refugees, explained what drew her to the event: “Refugees are resilient. It’s not only a story of struggle and pain, but it has a lot to do with perseverance, holding on, and strength.”

Local leaders highlighted the importance of ensuring refugees feel welcomed and supported in their communities. “We are made better and stronger because so many people travel from around the world to make Worcester their home,” said State Senator Robyn Kennedy. “It’s important that we show up, not just in celebration on days like today, but day-in and day-out to support our community.”

Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, who attends the event every year, underscored the importance of solidarity: “Showing up sends the message that the government in Worcester and the state of Massachusetts has their backs,” he explained. “Refugees want the same things everyone else does—to support their families, have a job, and have a community.”

For Ascentria, World Refugee Day is also a celebration of possibility. Pabitra, an Ascentria employee and refugee from Nepal, first arrived in the United States 18 years ago and resettled with the help of Ascentria, then known as Lutheran Social Services. After volunteering, she joined Ascentria and has spent the past 15 years helping newcomers access housing, public benefits, English language classes, and workforce training.

“Being myself a refugee, I feel like I can step in their shoes and help them,” she said. “Always, we are refugees. And even though we are refugees, organizations like Ascentria still want to help us. They are still celebrating us.”

Pabitra elaborated that, although many refugees like herself are now citizens, it is still important to celebrate their journeys as refugees. “It is important that we celebrate to welcome new refugees to this country. Especially in hard times like today,” she explained.

For decades, Worcester-based organizations have supported refugee families across Massachusetts, helping newcomers access housing, education, employment, and community connections. World Refugee Day serves as both a celebration of those achievements and part of a global effort to recognize the nearly 120 million people who have been forcibly displaced worldwide, while affirming the importance of welcoming communities where families have the opportunity to thrive.

As music and dancing continued into the evening in Worcester, attendees left with a shared message: Massachusetts thrives when people of all backgrounds are welcomed, celebrated, and empowered to build a stronger and more unified community together.

*Name changed to protect privacy