The Strength of Refugees and Their Community: A Gallery and Opening Reception

Refugees have been at the forefront of political discussion in the United States as the Syrian crisis escalates and xenophobia heightens. Much has been said regarding these refugees, but all too often the voices of refugees themselves are left out of the conversation.

This exhibit uses the data collected from a Photovoice project, combining photography and transcriptions from groups discussions with adolescent refugees to better understand the lived experiences of adolescent refugees. The gallery highlights five main themes that were discussed: Stability and Security, Interpersonal Difficulties, Rooting Factors, Personal Growth, and Contribution.

The opening reception will be on September 11th at 5:30 pm in Hatcher Gallery.

Speakers for the opening reception are:

• Andrea Belgrade, MS, PhD candidate at UM Psychology
• Dr. Odessa Gonzalez Benson, PhD, Assistant Professor at UM School of Social Work
• Ayah Kutmah, Founder of REvive
• Dr. Mari Kira, PhD, Research Scientist at UM Psychology
• Dilli Gautam, MPH, President of the Bhutanese Community of Michigan

The event is free and open to the public. Middle Eastern refreshments will be served.

Donations to support local refuees will be collected throughout the exibition:

• Supplies for newborns (diapers, wipes, gentle laundry soap, etc.)
• Staples (toilet paper, hand soaps, paper towels, etc.)
• Test-prep books (TOEFL, SAT, ACT, LSAT, etc.)
• School supplies (paper, pencils, pens, notebooks, folders, highlighters, white-out taps, 3x5 cards, etc.)
• Personal care products (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, body ltion, hairbrushes, hair ties, manicure supplies, razors, shampoo, conditioner, soap, face cleanser, face moisturizer, etc.)

Monetary Donations and gift cards (Target, Old Navy, Meijer, Kroger, etc) can be donated to the orgs directly, not at the gallery.

Contact Person: Andrea Belgrade (belgrade@umich.edu)

RSVP Here »