Two women wearing headscarves talk at a table with brochures, a small Afghan flag, and informational materials. Another person stands in the background holding a bouquet of yellow flowers.

A man in a white T-shirt sits on an orange chair, speaking into a microphone. A yellow screen with text and two water bottles are visible in the background. A small plant sits on the table in front of him.

Omaha World Refugee Day

Name: Omaha World Refugee Day
Start: 2026-06-20T10:00:00.000Z
End: 2026-06-20T14:00:00.000Z
Location: The Joslyn Art Museum

Sat Jun 20, 10AM–2PM

Gather at The Joslyn to celebrate Omaha’s rich diversity while learning about issues facing the city’s refugee population. Our resettled refugee communities have overcome unbelievable odds to find peace and freedom in Omaha. Come to explore their stories, talents, and cultures. Hear from community speakers, take in cultural performances, learn about available resources, and more.

PRESENTATIONS & PERFORMANCES

Abbott Hall
10:15 am, 11:15 am; 12:15 pm, 1:15 pm Film Screening (50 min.)
The Next Dream is a 2025 independent documentary about more than one million Temporary Protected Status families across the US who are at risk of deportation and family separation. A film by Steve Marx, Laura Bean, and Vahdat Yeganeh.

Witherspoon Hall
10:30 am Welcome
Remarks by Mayor John W. Ewing, Jr.

10:45–11:45 am Panel Discussion
Sanctuary & Solidarity | Learn about steps you can take to help immigrant and refugee communities during difficult times. Walk away with a sense of determination, tangible action items, and volunteer opportunities specific to the Omaha metro. Introduction by Ariel Magaña Linares, Senior Attorney, CIRA. Panelists: Mustafa Babak, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Afghan-American Foundation; Roger Garcia, Douglas County Commissioner, District 1; Der Yang, Director of Refugee Services, CIRA.

12:30 pm Cultural Performances
AIFS Youth Drumming Program
RAAGA Musical Entertainment
Danza Santa Maria
Nubian Community Group
Nebraska Danzas Venezuela LLC
Karen Culture Organization of Omaha

1:30 pm Awards Ceremony
Announcement of 2026 Omaha Refugee Task Force scholarship recipients

ART
All galleries will be open to enjoy and there will be opportunities to get creative throughout the Museum.

HEALTH FAIR
The Fountain Court, Studios 1 & 2, mobile clinics outdoors
List of participants coming soon.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Cafe Atrium & The Bridge
List of participants coming soon.

FOOD FAIR
Community Room & Courtyard Garden
Sample complimentary global cuisine from local providers.

FILL THE CUPBOARD
When you visit The Joslyn, June 16–20, please consider bringing a donation of culturally responsive foods (beans, lentils, rice, canned fish, and dried fruits, for example) for pantries supporting Omaha’s refugee communities.

Omaha World Refugee Day is hosted by The Joslyn and brought to you by the Omaha Refugee Task Force

Photos: Ben Semisch

Related Opportunity

NEW AMERICAN DISH
Tue–Sat, June 16–20
The Joslyn welcomes Sakeena, a culinary collaborator for the New American Dish project. Born and raised in east-central Afghanistan, and now residing in Omaha, staff from Clean Slate Food Co will partner with her to prepare borani banjan, a vegetarian dish highlighting the flavors of her home country, to feature in The Durham Cafe. Ten percent of proceeds from the featured entree will benefit the Omaha Refugee Task Force.

Thanks to Clean Slate and Refugee Women Rising for their partnership with this program.

About Sakeena One of seven children, Sakeena was born and raised in Ghazni City, Afghanistan. After completing high school in her hometown, she relocated to Kabul with her husband, Juma, who worked in the US Embassy. In 2016 the couple and their two children immigrated to the US under SIV status (Special Immigrant Visa for Afghans working with the American government). They lived briefly in California before relocating to Lincoln, Nebraska. There, Sakeena completed an entrepreneurship program and worked with ECHO Collective, a non-profit helping refugee and immigrant women overcome barriers as they begin their lives in the US. Now living in Omaha, Sakeena loves sewing, cooking, and spending time with her family and other members of the community. She is studying for her GED and is looking forward to a career teaching and empowering women.

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