This land was made for you and me
Honoring World Refugee Day
Today is World Refugee Day:
World Refugee Day 2025 is a powerful call to action and empathy in a time of global uncertainty. With record numbers of people forcibly displaced and humanitarian aid under threat, this year’s theme—"Solidarity with Refugees"—urges us to move beyond words and take meaningful steps to support those forced to flee. Refugees seek not charity, but opportunity: a chance to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and live with dignity.
This World Refugee Day is a moment to honor their courage and resilience, listen to their stories, and advocate for lasting solutions to displacement. It reminds us that welcoming refugees strengthens societies, fosters innovation, and builds communities where everyone belongs. Through collective action—from policy change and community engagement to sharing refugee voices—we affirm that refugees are not forgotten, not alone, and not without hope.
I’ve mentioned before, but over the past decade a growing number of Habitat homebuyers in my community arrived in Albany as refugees. To be a part of their journey to find a safe and secure home — a forever home, in many cases — is really special. Albany is richer and more vibrant with them here.
With news every day of families being separated, workplaces being raided and communities being terrorized, I’m dreaming of a future where we all belong. Where refugees, migrants and immigrants are valued and celebrated and welcomed. (Ever notice that when Americans move abroad, they’re called expats instead…)
From California to the New York island, this land was made for you and me.
Haymarket Books has three free e-books on borders available for one more day here.
If you’re a registered Dem in Albany, remember that early voting goes through Sunday and then election day is Tuesday, June 24. I was proud to cast my vote for Dorcey Applyrs for Mayor.
Free digital downloads of the prints above are available here by the artist Phoebe Wahl.
Finally, this Rick Steves PBS one-hour special on Iran is worth a watch in this fraught moment. Dusting off my 2002 Choose Peace pin for the long-haul.
Great shirt/sign combo!!