5th Annual World Refugee Day Music Festival (organized by Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and Catholic Charities)

In partnership with several organizations serving immigrants and refugees, NWNY proudly participated in the 5th Annual World Refugee Day Music Festival, hosted by the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. The NWNY Community was well-represented for both the virtual and in-person iterations of this event, celebrating refugees and their resilience through music, dance, and art.

Virtually, Potri Ranka Manis shared her passion for promoting indigenous rights and traditions through a poignant Maranao dance performance. 

Sharing a table with Ruth’s Refuge, NWNY staff and volunteers cheered on three community members participating live and in person as storytellers (Alena Edelman, Anna Zemskova, and Lorelei Salas) and one through visual art (Navrioska Mateo). Anastassiya Maximenko, who wears many hats here at NWNY, served as MC virtually and in person, expertly steering the ship in her rainbow-colored wear and through her zest for life. 

We thank our community members for honoring refugees and raising awareness by sharing their talents. Special thanks are owed to The Catholic Charities of The Archdiocese of New York and the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music for organizing and inviting us to participate in this special event. May we all continue to recognize the refugee experience for what it truly is — a testament to human strength no matter how far the distance and how great the obstacle.

We hope you enjoy the photos and videos captured from this event below!