LOUISIANA ORGANIZATION FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS (LORI)
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9th Annual World Refugee & Immigrant Day • June 27, 2026
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The Very Best of Our Community
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For one afternoon, the Catholic Life Center became a map of the world.
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40+Countries 30+Organizations 5Continents
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On Saturday, June 27, more than forty nations and over thirty organizations came together for our 9th Annual World Refugee & Immigrant Day — a hall full of neighbors, and a current of music, color, and language that moved from one continent to the next without ever leaving Baton Rouge. This was our theme made real: Courage and Solidarity, Rooted in Community.
The afternoon opened with prayers for peace from Rev. Jon Parks, followed by a warm welcome to our distinguished guests. From there, the stage rarely rested. Fermin Ceballos carried the Dominican Republic into the room, Mariachi Jalisco summoned the sound of Mexico, and Bloco Jacaré set Brazil to rhythm — while performers from Cameroon, Haiti, the Kenyan community, and beyond turned heritage into something you could feel in your chest. Our Summer Enrichment Camp youth recited poetry that quieted everyone in earshot, and community leaders told stories of resilience that lingered long after the applause.
We were honored by guest speaker Pastor Leigh Rachal of the Louisiana Interchurch Conference, by remarks from Mayor-President Sid Edwards, and by a keynote from Rev. Dr. J.C. Richardson of Wesley United Methodist Church that asked us to meet this moment with courage and to refuse the easy comfort of indifference. We paused, too, to honor Aaron Moseley-Saldivar with our Fellowship Recognition — a tribute to his dedication to this work and the people it serves.
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June 27 carried a second meaning: it was Election Day in Louisiana, and our community met it head-on. Neighbors arrived with their “I Voted” stickers already worn with pride — culture in their dress, ballots already cast. Others slipped away as the afternoon wore on, hurrying to make their voices heard before the polls closed. This was Culture to the Polls in its truest form: heritage and civic duty carried in the same hands. All day, our partners on the ground urged every eligible neighbor toward the polls. Civic duty and celebration were never separate pursuits — on Saturday, our community proved they travel together.
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None of this would have held the same meaning without the more than thirty organizations who lined the hall. Each represented beautifully. Each arrived ready to connect families with the resources, services, and welcome they can carry long after the music fades.
And behind every seamless moment stood our volunteers. From the first day of planning to the last chair folded at day’s end, they carried this event on their shoulders.
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What looked effortless was entirely their doing.
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We could not have done it without them, and we will not forget it.
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This is only a glimpse. Our photographer’s professional images will arrive on our website in the coming days, so you can return to the day in full.
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At a time when the headlines trade in division, June 27 wrote a different story: when people arrive with open hearts, they build a place where everyone belongs.
To every organization, country representatives, family, friend, performer, faith leader, elected official, volunteer, and neighbor who filled that room — the day was yours, and we thank you for it.
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We’re already looking ahead, and we’d love to see you again:
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 — Resource Fair
Fri, Oct 23, 2026 — End-of-Year Banquet
Sat, Jun 26, 2027 — 10th Annual World Refugee & Immigrant Day a decade of building community together
Full details and registration will follow in the coming weeks.
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With heartfelt gratitude,
The LORI Family
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Contact Us
(225) 279-9610 | info@mylori.org
Louisiana Organization for Refugees & Immigrants
1120 Government St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
United States
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