LOS ANGELES – The Refugee Forum of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) in the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, and the departments of Arts and Culture and Public Social Services, and many other partners hosted 2023 World Refugee Day: Building a Brighter Future at the Gloria Molina Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The event commemorated United Nations World Refugee Day, an internationally recognized day to honor refugees searching for safety and better lives for themselves and their families across the world. This community event was made possible through the collaboration of a wide range of local partners and featured food, culture, dance, workshops, and resources.

“We’ve long welcomed refugees from all over the world. In fact, immigrants and refugees have helped build our County and continue to do so,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “This event highlights all the good that comes from embracing those that want to call LA County their new home – a vibrant, tolerant, and respectful community that makes us stronger in every way.”

“Refugees come to Los Angeles from all over the world, fleeing persecution, displacement, and suffering,” said Rigo Reyes, OIA’s Executive Director. “OIA works with our partners day-in and day-out to provide refugees the support they and their families need to thrive in their new home.”

The event connected all attendees, including refugees, asylees, and immigrants that live and work in the diverse communities of Los Angeles County, with resources, as well as celebrated their contributions to the County of Los Angeles. The arts were emphasized at this year’s celebration.

“Studies have shown that the arts contribute to social cohesion, build empathy, uplift cultural diversity and inclusion, and support the wellbeing of our communities,” said Kristin Sakoda, Director of the LA County Department of Arts and Culture. “We are proud to partner with our colleagues across the County and in the community to lift up the cultures and contributions of our refugee, asylee, and immigrant communities through World Refugee Day.”

The Department of Arts and Culture advances arts, culture, and creativity throughout Los Angeles County. Through the department’s Creative Strategist program, renowned artist Phung Huynh worked with OIA for a full year as an artist-in-residence to incorporate arts-based solutions to help OIA strengthen trust and share support services with the immigrant and refugee communities they serve.

Refugees in the Greater Los Angeles region can contact the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs for information and resources at immigrants.lacounty.gov or (800) 593-8222.

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Since 1975, the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has been the local consumer protection agency serving County consumers, tenants, homeowners, immigrants, and workers. DCBA provides a wide range of services that aim to foster a fair and dynamic marketplace and enhance the economic wellbeing of our communities. This includes investigating consumer fraud complaints, enforcing the County’s minimum wage, tenant and worker protections, and providing access to justice programs. More information can be found at dcba.lacounty.gov and immigrants.lacounty.gov or by calling (800) 593-8222.