Refugees

Hawo at NGFS

Students shared opinions on immigration after small group discussions.

High school is often a time of judgment and isolation. At New Garden Friends School, where the students are encouraged to accept their differences and create a loving community, discrimination can sometimes feel like a distant notion. Last Friday, the NGFS Upper Division took time out of their weekly all-school meeting for worship to let us share a film and open up conversation about prejudice and tolerance.

housing issues for refugees

AFSC's Migwe Kimemia (left) welcomes Human Relations Council Executive Director Tom Wahlrab to a public event addressing housing issues for refugees in Dayton.

They witness atrocities most of us cannot imagine.  They make perilous journeys, often alone, through countries where violence is ubiquitous and food is scarce.  They make their way to refugee camps.  They receive the good news that they will be resettled in the United States, and arrive, ready to embrace a new life.

Love Your Neighbor Rally Slideshow

Click photo to view slideshow.

Images available on Flickr

In response to racist graffit scrawled on the homes of 3 African families, the Concord Interfaith Council rallied the community to "Love Your Neighbor." Several hundred people turned out on a bright Wednesday afternoon in front of the State House, September 29, 2011. You can read Maggie Fogarty's statement at: afsc.org/story/maggie-fogarty-we-will-not-give-scapegoati....

Maggie Fogarty was one of the speakers at the "Love Your Neighbor" Rally in Concord, September 28, 2011.

Following the scrawling of racist graffiti on the homes of three African refugee families in Concord, members of the community organized “Love Your Neighbor” rallies September 24 and again September 28.  AFSC’s Maggie Fogarty was one of the speakers at the second rally, which was organized by the Concord Interfaith Council.   The following is a slightly edited version of her statement:

Annah Awartani

Annah Awartani, owner of Zaytoon Restaurant, hospitality greeted a gracious crowd, hungry for food and personal connection.

Viewing of “Hawo’s Dinner Party” an adaptation of the documentary Welcome to Shelbyville.

Dayton Game 2011

On July 2, bright yellow and crisp white T-shirts marked two teams vying for a win on the soccer field.  For the second year, AFSC’s Dayton (Ohio) Refugee Justice Program sponsored a tournament for young refugees from Africa.  Their home countries include Burundi, Rwanda, Sudan, Eritrea,  the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ghana.  More than 60 participants appreciated the opportunity to play their favorite sport and to share their experiences in the greater Dayton area.