Bowling Green celebrates World Refugee Day 2025

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Over the weekend, the International Center of Kentucky hosted its annual World Refugee Day celebration at the Sloan Convention Center, bringing together hundreds of people to honor the strength and resilience of refugees from around the globe.

Saturday’s event featured food, music, and traditions from dozens of cultures — creating a space not only to celebrate, but to connect.

“Bowling Green being a diverse community, it’s just the right thing for us to recognize that diversity and appreciate what’s going on,” said Albert Mbanfu, executive director of the International Center of Kentucky. “We’re just happy that people are tuning in, coming in their numbers to support the refugees, and tell them they are welcome in the community.”

Since 1981, the International Center has helped resettle more than 10,000 refugees in Warren County, with over 300 new arrivals expected this year alone. That long-standing effort places Bowling Green among the top five cities in the country for refugee resettlement per capita — and Kentucky as a whole now ranks first nationwide.

While refugee resettlement requires public investment, research shows that the return far outweighs the cost. From 2005 to 2019, refugees and asylees contributed more than $580 billion in taxes nationally, boosting the U.S. economy and communities like Bowling Green.

“We see former educators, doctors, lawyers, workers — all coming here out of desperation,” said Bowling Green commissioner Carlos Bailey. “And we want them to know Bowling Green is a welcoming city. We’re here to help them get back on their feet.”

As the city’s refugee population continues to grow, so does local support. From city leadership to volunteers, mentors, and everyday neighbors.