For World Refugee Day, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the Kennedy Center, in partnership with One Journey, a grassroots refugee-supporting coalition, present three days of fun and inspiration to celebrate the courage and resilience of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution and violence.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, refugees and displaced people have stepped up and continue to contribute to a stronger, safer and more vibrant world. The fun-filled event features live music by Mélat and Cesar Orozco & Kamarata Jazz, presented by the Kennedy Center and UNHCR, which leads global action to protect and assist people forced to flee and helps ensure they have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. A film screening, dance and yoga sessions, a global marketplace, are brought to you by One Journey, a Kennedy Center Culture Caucus member and a growing coalition that aims to change the narrative about refugees by celebrating their talents and stories through the common languages of humanity: food, art, music, and technology.

World Refugee Day: Together We Heal, Learn, and Shine is part of the Kennedy Center's 2021 Millennium Stage Summer Series, celebrating our societal emergence from the pandemic and the return of live performance.

Access to the event space is first come, first served and may be restricted due to capacity. Register in advance to receive the latest program and weather updates. Registration covers all events listed on the schedule below.

Limited seating is available on a first come, first serve basis for guests with disabilities.

Register

Thursday, June 17

5–8 p.m.

Arts Market on the REACH Plaza

5:30 p.m.

DJ set with Ministre De La House

8:30 p.m.

The Runner film screening on the Video Wall

Friday, June 18

5–9 p.m.

Arts Market on the REACH Plaza

5 & 6:45 p.m.

DJ sets with Ministre De La House

6 p.m.

Performance by Mélat

Also watch Mélat in the livestream online

7 p.m.

Performance by Cesar Orozco & Kamarata Jazz

Also watch Cesar Orozco & Kamarata Jazz in the livestream online

Saturday, June 19

10–10:45 a.m.

Yoga with Dino Kadel & Vahid Coskun (part of Sound Health: Yoga at the REACH)

11–11:45 a.m.

Poppin, Breakn, and Krunk with Sokeo Ros (part of Dance Sanctuaries)

12–8 p.m.

Arts Market on the REACH Plaza

12–12:45 p.m.

Contemporary Dance and Storytelling with Hussein Smko (part of Dance Sanctuaries)

1–1:45 p.m.

Dabke Dance class with Leila Mire (part of Dance Sanctuaries)

2–2:45 p.m.

Uyghur Dance with Silk Road Dance Company (part of Dance Sanctuaries)

3 p.m.

Performance by NSO Youth Fellowship Chamber Groups

4:30 p.m.

DJ set with Ministre De La House

6 p.m.

Performance by Cesar Orozco & Kamarata Jazz

7 p.m.

Performance by Mélat

For all events and performances

• A face covering is required for all un-vaccinated patrons. Patrons who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a face covering when outdoors.
• If you'd like to sit, bring your own blankets or folding chairs. Personal chairs must be limited to 36” high or smaller. Limited seating is available on a first come, first serve basis for guests with disabilities.

If you're participating in Sound Health: Yoga at the REACH or Dance Sanctuaries

• Shoes that protect your feet—classes take place outside on the REACH Plaza, which has a stone floor
• Your own yoga mat
• Your own towel(s)
• Water
• Warm clothes/layers, as some days may be slightly cooler than others
• A desire to move your body and have fun!

The Kennedy Center welcomes guests with disabilities. Below is some information to help you plan your visit for our Summer Series. Please contact the Accessibility Office at 202-416-8727 or [email protected] with any questions or to request an accommodation.

Questions? Please contact the Accessibility Office at 202-416-8727 or [email protected] with any questions or to request an accommodation.