Celebrating World Refugee Day

A World Refugee Day celebration drew about 800 people from all over the world to Tyler Park where they enjoyed “music, art, food, and ice-cold Louisville Pure Tap®,” said Barbara Crow, Louisville Water Community Relations Specialist.

Designated by the United Nations, World Refugee Day is held on June 20 every year to honor “the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution,” according to the UN.

Amos Izerimana, Director of Louisville Metro’s Office for Immigrant Affairs, told WLKY that Louisville has been “one of the top five refugee resettling cities in the country, and that speaks to our welcoming nature.”

Foreign-born residents make up about 10% of Louisville’s population, with the highest percentage from Cuba and Congo. Many of the refugees receive help from such organizations as the International Rescue Committee, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, and Catholic Charities.

Crow pointed out that Louisville Water’s presence at the World Refugee Day celebration not only helped keep the crowd hydrated but also reassured people from countries with poor water quality that Louisville’s drinking water is safe and tastes great.