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REFUGEE
SAN DIEGO

Maya Lê Espiritu

Ocean Refuge 

Gouache on canvas

Cultural Heritage Champion
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Refugee San Diego was recognized by the County of San Diego Archives for our contribution to cultural heritage and historic preservation in San Diego! 

WHO IS A REFUGEE?

Following the Critical Refugee Studies Collective, we define refugees as human beings forcibly displaced within or outside of their land of origin as a result of persecution, conflict, war, conquest, settler/colonialism, militarism, occupation, empire,  and environmental and climate-related disasters, regardless of their legal status. Refugees can be self-identified and are often unrecognized within the limited definitions proffered by international and state laws, hence may be subsumed, in those instances, under other labels such as  "undocumented".

OUR GOALS

San Diego has the distinction of being home to one of the largest concentrations of refugees in the United States. Learn when, how, and why refugees from all over the world have resettled in San Diego and how they have adjusted to their local schools, jobs, and living environments. Refugee San Diego is committed to showcasing the rich and multifaceted lives of refugees in the region. 

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TIMELINE

A historical timeline of refugee arrivals, as well as program and resource development overtime, with a special focus on education.

Ehber Klo Lah Moo

Untitled

Watercolor on wood

Maya Lê Espiritu

Sun-Kissed

Gouache on canvas

COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS

Refugee community-driven initiatives that address shared challenges, build resilience, and celebrate the cultural richness of the refugee experience.​

Kulsoum Sayad

Praying for God!

Pencil on paper

SUBMISSIONS

San Diegan's submit original pieces in this repository, sharing their experiences as and with newcomers through artwork, essays, reports, interviews, and more.

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