The United Nations created World Refugee Day in 2000 as a way to recognize the struggles refugees face in their journeys to safety.
Michigan is no stranger to welcoming refugees. In fact, the state took in the fourth highest number of refugees in the United States last year, with over 4000 people resettled in the state.
Mihaela Mitrofan is the Program Manager of New American Services at Samaritas, the largest refugee resettlement organization in Michigan.
"World Refugee Day is a time to honor the courageous journeys of refugees and recognize that they're people who have fled violence, conflict, and persecution to build new lives," Mitrofan said.
Despite the controversy surrounding President Trump's proposed travel ban, Mitrofan says the past year has shown how kind many Michigan residents are towards their resettled neighbors.
"We want to shine the light on the incredible generosity and open hearts of Michigan residents, who not only welcome refugees into their communities, but connect person-to-person, heart-to-heart as humans," Samaritas said in a press release.
