As readers of this blog know by now, Joe is always eager to help promote the cause of immigrants. The descendant of immigrants himself, Joe is deeply aware of the role newcomers have played and continue to play in shaping our country. He's also aware that many of these people left their home country not by choice but by necessity, which is why he's promoting World Refugee Day, when countries from around the world raise awareness of the situation of refugees. One of Joe's favorite local organizations, ILAP, is hosting events to commemorate the day, including a kick-off on Saturday, June 13th, 3-6pm, in Deering Oaks Park, an art exhibit on Friday, June, June 19th, at MECA, and a youth conference on Saturday, June 20th, at the YMCA in Portland. For more information about this event, go here, and for more information about ILAP, go here. Joe hopes the events are a success and extends his thanks to ILAP for their continuing hard work on behalf of refugees and all immigrants!

Photography by Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photos here and here.