World Refugee Day 2025
Photos Link: bit.ly/wrd-photos
Press Release: bit.ly/lowell-wrd
Celebrating Resilience and Community: World Refugee Day 2025 at St. Anne’s, Lowell
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, over 100 community members gathered on the lawn of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Lowell for a powerful and heartwarming celebration of World Refugee Day. Hosted by the ACE Center for New Americans and Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries (MBMM), the annual event brought together refugees, immigrants, civic leaders, and supporters to honor stories of courage, perseverance, and new beginnings.
A Message of Courage and Co-Creation
In his keynote address, Rev. Dr. Mar Imsong, Executive Director of MBMM, welcomed attendees and paid tribute to the strength and spirit of New American families:
“You are not just recipients of welcome—you are co-creators of a more just and vibrant society,” he shared, acknowledging the journeys many have taken and the hope they now carry.
Rev. Imsong also expressed deep gratitude to Rev. Ginger and the Vestry of St. Anne’s for transforming the church grounds into a sanctuary of welcome.
Stories that Inspire
The event was filled with moving personal reflections from community leaders and refugees:
Zahra, an Afghan evacuee, shared her journey from Kabul to Lowell.
Ms. Vannak Theng, President of the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA), offered words of welcome and her own refugee story.
State Rep. Vanna Howard and Vice Mayor Paul Ratha Yem spoke of their own paths from refugee to public servant.
Yasmin Padamsee-Forbes, Executive Director of the AAPI Commission, reflected on the refugee experience as part of a shared human story.
A letter from Senator Elizabeth Warren was read by MBMM board member Jenny Bornham Carter, offering words of encouragement and solidarity.
Celebrating Through Culture
Performances brought color, energy, and unity to the day:
A Karenni dance troupe from Myanmar showcased resilience through tradition.
The Interfaith Coalition Singers led a heartfelt sing-along to What the World Needs Now.
An Egyptian band turned the church lawn into a joyful dance floor.
A Community that Stands Together
Though fears around immigration enforcement kept some families away, the event remained a hopeful, affirming space—uplifting the voices of New Americans and underscoring Lowell’s growing reputation as a city of welcome.
With Gratitude
This event would not have been possible without the commitment of ACE and MBMM staff, volunteers, and generous partners including CMAA, the Massachusetts Baptist Charitable Society, AAPI Commission, Wegman’s, Brewster Baptist Church, First Churches of Northampton, Enterprise Bank, the New American Association of Massachusetts, and many more.
