As we approach World Refugee Day on June 20th, we’re excited to highlight Yonas Abraha, a passionate advocate for refugees and the Chair of the Eritrean-American Community Center of Georgia. Yonas is also the former Co-Chair of the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies (CRSA), and through both roles, he has been instrumental in uplifting refugee and immigrant communities in Georgia. His journey from refugee to leader has shaped his unwavering commitment to community organizing, cultural preservation, and advocacy for refugees across the state.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience
Yonas’ story is one of resilience and hope. Originally from Eritrea, Yonas was resettled in the United States with the support of Catholic Charities. His own lived experience as a refugee fuels his passion for supporting others navigating the same challenges he once faced. As he’s built a life in Georgia, he’s made it his mission to ensure that the experiences and voices of refugees are heard and valued. His work continues to inspire those in his community to advocate for positive change and preserve the cultural heritage of refugees.
The Importance of World Refugee Day
For Yonas, World Refugee Day is more than just a day of observance—it’s a day of reflection, pride, and unity. It’s a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and cultural richness of refugee communities, not only in Georgia but around the world. Georgia, home to tens of thousands of refugees from across the globe, is a testament to the power of diversity, and World Refugee Day is a perfect opportunity to honor the contributions of these communities.
CRSA’s World Refugee Day Celebration
This year, CRSA is hosting a vibrant, family-friendly celebration on June 21st at the Eritrean-American Community Center of Georgia. The event will bring together community members from diverse backgrounds to enjoy cultural performances, traditional foods, artisan crafts, and much more. It will showcase local refugee and immigrant businesses, artists, and performers—each one a testament to the talents, creativity, and resilience of refugees.
Engage and Advocate
At the event, attendees will have the chance to get involved in advocacy efforts, with information booths and sign-up stations dedicated to supporting refugees year-round. CRSA will provide resources and links to petitions, policy updates, and actionable steps to make a difference. Yonas encourages everyone to visit the advocacy booths and learn how they can contribute to the ongoing support of refugee communities in Georgia.
A Focus on Families and Community
The event is designed to be inclusive for all ages. With children’s games, art activities, and cultural storytelling, families can come together and fully enjoy the celebration. Yonas emphasizes that the event isn’t just a moment of reflection; it’s a chance to engage with the refugee experience in a meaningful way, connecting through shared culture and community.
The Cultural and Economic Contributions of Refugees
Yonas reflects that the World Refugee Day event is a true representation of CRSA’s mission. Through food, music, art, and storytelling, the event highlights the diverse cultural, social, and economic contributions that refugees make to Georgia. From entrepreneurship to leadership, refugees enrich our communities in ways that go beyond their resilience; they shape the fabric of our state through creativity, hard work, and perseverance.
Join Us in Celebrating Refugee Resilience
Yonas invites everyone—whether you’re part of the refugee community, a long-time supporter, or someone new to the cause—to join CRSA on June 21st to celebrate World Refugee Day. It’s an opportunity to stand in solidarity, celebrate the diversity that makes Georgia strong, and engage in meaningful advocacy that supports refugees.
Through his work with CRSA and the Eritrean-American Community Center, Yonas continues to lead efforts that give voice to refugees, empower their contributions, and build a stronger, more inclusive Georgia. His dedication serves as an inspiration to us all as we celebrate the resilience and strength of refugees, not just on World Refugee Day, but every day.
Join us in supporting World Refugee Day and the ongoing advocacy for refugee communities across Georgia. Together, we can make a difference.