BOISE, Idaho — A celebration brought Idahoans together in downtown Boise to celebrate and connect over culture as part of World Refugee Day.
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor and celebrate those around the world who have had to flee their home countries.
"I think to me, it's showing unity and the heart of belonging," Neville Mutombo, a refugee from Zambia said.
Boise's World Refugee Day celebration was put on by the Idaho Office for Refugees, which is the organization that oversees refugee resettlement in Idaho. A World Refugee Day event was also held in the Magic Valley.
A naturalization ceremony took place during the ceremony, where 10 former refugees from six countries became American citizens - a journey many were on for a long time.
Others have come to the States more recently, including Mutombo, who came to Idaho four months ago and has started his journey toward becoming an American citizen.
"Whatever it takes for me to do, I will do for me to get citizenship," Mutombo said.
The event paved a path for shared stories, and shared connections through music, food, and vendors.
One of the vendors at World Refugee Day was Dunia Marketplace, which collaborates with artists in economically developing countries by sharing their stories and the history behind their craft.
"We feel so privileged to be here among former refugees and the community that supports them as they find a safe home here in the valley," Dunia Marketplace Director JamieLou Delavan said. "And to be able to celebrate who they are and the culture that they come and share with us, and everything that they have to offer the valley and welcome them into our communities."
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