Community Events to Join for Juneteenth and World Refugee Day
On Sunday, June 22, the community is invited to participate in the 2025 World Refugee Day Celebration at Nay Aug Park in Scranton from 2-5 p.m. More than 20 community agencies are working together to plan this celebration and additional partners and sponsors are making this day of solidarity and friendship possible. Members of the planning committee shown are, front row, from left: Smriti Sitaula, Bhutanese Cultural Foundation of Scranton Association; Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton; Chandra Sitaula, Bhutanese Cultural Foundation of Scranton Association; Audrey Golosky, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA; Fatima Ashraf, Muslim Association of Wyoming Valley; and Dr. Maria Vital, The University of Scranton. Second row, from left: Ushu Mukelo, Congolese Community of Scranton; Fikile Ryder, Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton; Julie Schumacher Cohen, The University of Scranton; Sister Donna Korba, I.H.M., Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Jenny Gonzalez, S.T.A.R.S. Program at Marywood University; and Phil Yevics, Scranton Area Multifaith Ministerium.Not pictured: Gulnar Siddiqi, Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton; Terilynn Brechtel, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, Channel Kearse, City of Scranton; Melinda Krokus, Marywood University & Islamic Center of Scranton; Joana Salfriya, Islamic Center of Scranton, Lori Walton, Islamic Center of Scranton and The University of Scranton; Toya Timsina, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, PA Department of Education Migrant Education Program; and Rabbi Daniel Swartz, Temple Hesed.The University of Scranton’s Office of Community Relations is supporting two community events this week in the City of Scranton to celebrate the federal holiday of Juneteenth and the global commemoration of World Refugee Day.
Juneteenth Jubilee with the Black Scranton Project
On Thursday, June 19, the country celebrates the federal holiday of Juneteenth, which commemorates the day (June 19, 1865) that the Emancipation Proclamation’s news of freedom from slavery finally reached Black Americans in Texas.
The University is proud to serve as a sponsor of community partner Black Scranton’s Juneteenth Jubilee Block Party which takes place from 2-8 p.m. on Thursday at their Center for Arts and Culture on 1902 North Main Avenue in North Scranton. The event is a celebration of Black freedom, history, resilience and culture in NEPA and includes free roller-skating, lively games, soulful music, cultural performances, local vendors and more.
Scranton’s World Refugee Day
On Sunday, June 22, Scranton’s celebration of World Refugee Day takes place in Nay Aug Park from 2-5 p.m. This global commemoration marked officially on June 20 each year honors the strength and resilience of refugees and displaced persons who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and violence. It is also a moment to reaffirm our shared responsibility to support and welcome displaced individuals seeking safety and a new beginning.
The University is proud to serve as a co-host of this annual local event together with Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton and many other community agencies. (The event will be held near the Mulberry Street entrance, across from GCMC and the Everhart Museum).
The free, family-friendly event is open to all and offers a number of festivities, including a mix of cultural music, dance performances, international food, refreshments, games, giveaways, and engaging activities for children.
For more information about either event or to get involved as a volunteer, contact Daysi Carreto in the Office of Community Relations at daysi.carreto@scranton.edu.
