American Refuge: True Stories of the Refugee Experience with Dr. Diya Abdo

555 West James Street,Lancaster PA 17603

22 March, 2023

Description

"For so long, I was ashamed of my story. But I learned the beauty in my story and the wisdom in my story, and it brought a pride back into it. When we get to share our own stories, and tell the story of us, we realize that our story is an ever evolving day to day journey." Ahmed Ahmed, Lancaster City Council Member and member of CWS Lancaster's New Neighbors Speakers Bureau. Join CWS Lancaster and author, activist, and educator Dr. Diya Abdo for an evening exploring the power of storytelling and her new book, American Refuge: True Stories of the Refugee Experience. In this intimate and eye-opening book, Diya Abdo – daughter of refugees, U.S. immigrant, English professor, and activist - shares the stories of seven refugees. Coming from around the world, they’re welcomed by Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), an organization Diya founded to leverage existing resources at colleges to provide temporary shelter to refugee families. “A moving and timely book that strips away misleading politics to reveal the complexities of real human lives.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review) A second-generation Palestinian refugee born and raised in Jordan, Dr. Abdo’s teaching, research, and scholarship focus on Arab women writers and Arab and Islamic feminisms. Dr. Abdo is a Professor of English at Guilford College. She has also published poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The discussion will be moderated by Ahmed Ahmed, Lancaster's first refugee leader appointed to City Council, member of CWS Lancaster's New Neighbors Speakers Bureau, and community advocate. To purchase copies of the book in advance of the discussion, please visit bookshop.org and select purchase from either Red Rose Books or Pocket Books Lancaster. All tickets include a limited edition art print, Hope and Home, by Lancaster artist Megan Zettlemoyer from Typothecary Letterpress. This piece is based on American Refuge and celebrates CWS Lancaster's 35 years of welcome. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts will be served. Catering by Cracked Pepper/Pepper Theo Cafe. Proceeds from this event benefit CWS Lancaster.