Hastings Multicultural Association

06/19/2026

Juneteenth (June 19) commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It specifically marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received word of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

A federal judge blocked a Trump administration directive that had halted green cards, work permits, and asylum processing for immigrants from 39 countries. The administration enacted the pause on national security grounds following an attack on the National Guard, but the judge ruled the policies unlawful and driven by anti-immigrant sentiment.

06/18/2026

President Obama’s speech today—AMAZING AND AWESOME!!

Former President Barack Obama spoke at the opening ceremony of his ...

06/18/2026

What a beautiful and awesome day with the Obama family!! It gives us hope. They are so inspirational!!

Former first lady Michelle Obama paid emotional tribute to her husb...

06/18/2026

World Refugee Day 2026

Join us for World Refugee Day Omaha 2026! Celebrate the contributions of refugees in our community at this free, public event that features cultural performances, food, health screenings, community resources, and activities for all ages. This years event will be held at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St, 68102 on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 10am-2pm.

Activities include:
Live Performances
Community Resource Fair
Cultural Education
Health Fair & Screenings
Art Activities
Museum tours
Educational panels

Please email [email protected] with any questions or additional information.

World Refugee Day 2026 Join us for World Refugee Day Omaha 2026! Celebrate the contributions of refugees in our community at this free, public event that features cultural performances, food, health screenings, community resources, and activities for all ages. This years event will be held at Joslyn...

06/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DQ6BVXHz1/?mibextid=wwXIfr

06/18/2026

https://gp-email.brtapp.com/viewemail/4679832

World Refugee Day is commemorated annually on June 20 to honor the resilience, courage and stories of people forced to flee conflict and persecution. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) recognizes this day as a vital call to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and champion the human dignity of migrants and refugees worldwide.

This past year saw a record number of people – more than 123 million around the world – forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict or violence. Among them, nearly 43 million are refugees.

Refugees are just one group of immigrants that come to our country. On this day we especially focus on them. The photo is from a few years ago when members of Omaha First United Methodist Church welcomed a refugee family from Myanmar. It is one of my favorite photos showing how we can teach our children from early on to welcome and appreciate each other, no matter where we are from and what language we speak. God created us in such wonderful diversity.

Many of you will know that our country closed the door to new refugees in January 2025. Thousands had already had their flight tickets issued, and some were already at the airports when they were informed they would no longer be allowed to come. This happened after they went through a long and thorough vetting process, often taking years to finally receive refugee status. In the meantime, a small number of mainly Afrikaners from South Africa have been allowed to come under the refugee program but without having to go through the very thorough and long process.

Let us think about how we can show God’s love and welcome to those around us who come from other places, who had to flee dangerous situations.

UMCOR is offering small seed money grants if your church or church group has a project they want to work on. https://umcmission.org/work/humanitarian-relief/migration-refugees/mustard-seed-grants

If you have questions or would like to connect with your Great Plains Immigration Task Force, feel free to reach out to Sandy Sypherd, [email protected] or Andrea Paret, [email protected]

Andrea Paret, Peace with Justice coordinator

06/16/2026

Until everyone is safe!

Imagine packing your entire life into a single bag. Not because you are moving, but because staying is no longer safe. You leave behind your home, your job, your school, your community, and often the people you love most. You do not know where you will sleep next week, let alone what the future holds.

World Refugee Day 2026 falls on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The date is observed every year on June 20 to recognize the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees around the world.

Learn the World Refugee Day 2026 theme, key events, and meaningful ways individuals and companies can support refugees.