The Bullock Museum to host Austin's annual World Refugee Day celebration this weekend
Free event celebrates new American citizens with food, music and family fun
JUNE 13, 2018 (AUSTIN, TX) — The Bullock Texas State History Museum will host Austin's annual celebration of United Nations' World Refugee Day this Saturday, June 16 from 11:30 am to 3 pm. The event will feature a naturalization ceremony, live music, samples of world cuisine, and interactive family activities.
Established by the United Nations in 2000 and first celebrated on June 20, 2001, World Refugee Day raises awareness of the plight of refugees throughout the world. The Austin celebration, sponsored by the Bullock Museum and member organizations of the Austin Refugee Roundtable, celebrates new American citizens and recognizes the courage and resilience of refugee families and individuals.
"The U.S. has always been a haven for those fleeing persecution — a place of hope where dreams can be realized," said Lubna Zeidan, Program Director at Interfaith Action of Central Texas. "It honors refugees for the challenges they have overcome and celebrates them for the wealth of their culture and strength of their perseverance. This celebration welcomes them home."
Starting at 11:30 am, visitors can discover what the journey of a refugee is like, from home country to the Unites States, through a learning game sponsored by Caritas Austin and Refugee Services of Texas. At noon, guests are invited to witness refugees taking the oath that will complete their process of becoming a U.S. citizen at an official naturalization ceremony in the Texas Spirit Theater. Space is limited, so those wishing to attend the ceremony are urged to check in at the Theater upon arrival to receive a pass.
Also beginning at noon will be festivities in the Museum's Austin Room, including a performance by Congolese kids music group New Generation, followed by two performances by Kupira Marimba between 12:30 pm and 2 pm. Additionally, guests can enjoy samples of world cuisine, participate in family activities, snap photos in a photo booth, and more.
Austin's World Refugee Day celebration will take place at the Bullock Museum on Saturday, June 16 from 11:30 am to 3 pm. For more information, visit TheStoryofTexas.com or call 1-866-369-7108.
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World Refugee Day at the Bullock Museum was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Kupira Marimba's performance is supported in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts.
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The Bullock Texas State History Museum, a division of the State Preservation Board and an accredited institution of the American Alliance of Museums, creates experiences that educate, engage, and encourage a deeper understanding of Texas. With dynamic, award-winning exhibitions that illuminate Texas history, people, and culture, educational programming for all ages, and an IMAX® theater with a screen the size of Texas, the Museum collaborates with more than 700 museums, libraries, archives, organizations, and individuals across the world to bring the Story of Texas to life. For more information, visit www.TheStoryofTexas.com or call (866)369-7108.
The Bullock Texas State History Museum is owned and operated by the State of Texas through the State Preservation Board. Additional support of exhibitions and programs is provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.
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