It’s easy to see that the cultural face of Buffalo has changed since the arrival of numerous refugee populations. This city has welcomed refugees with open arms, and in exchange, we have more diverse communities. While we can plainly see that the refugees are making their marks on various neighborhoods, how much do we really know about them? We know that many of them come from war torn countries, but do we know who the warring factions are? Do we know what types of conditions these people faced? Do we know exactly how they came to Buffalo, and what it was like transitioning to a new home across the world?
This event will open up an important discussion to the conflict currently happening, a peaceful response, and the struggles facing the Burmese refugee population in Buffalo.
On Wednesday October 2, you are invited to learn about the crisis in Myanmar and and the Rohingya and Burmese refugee populations. First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo will be hosting a panel of experts including Rev. Thang Van Lian, International Peacemaker, who will give us some insights into the conflict that is still underway, which has led to the arrival of the largest population of refugees in Buffalo. The discussion will also open our eyes to how these communities are adjusting, their needs and wants, and how we can come to understand our new neighbors better than we do now.
The event will be followed by a floating water lantern celebration at Kleinhans Music Hall!
Escalate Peace Event promotes discussion of Myanmar Crisis and Refugee populations
Hosted by Escalate Peace WNY
Wednesday October 2, 2019
First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo | 1 Symphony Cir, Buffalo, NY 14201
5:00pm-6:00pm: Resource and Cultural Fair
6:00pm-7:00pm: Panel discussion on peace surrounding the crisis in Myanmar
7:00pm: Water Lantern Celebration at Kleinhans Music Hall
Please RSVP at this Link: https://bit.ly/2MiJOL3
Lead image: Photo by Perry Grone