The Maine poet who read his poem at President Barack Obama’s inauguration will speak Friday in Portland at a free public event to celebrate World Refugee Day.

The annual event is intended to honor the courage and struggles of the more than 15 million people worldwide displaced by war and persecution. Since 2000, Maine has resettled 2,283 refugees from 24 countries, including most recently Afghanistan, Burma, Iraq, Somalia, and Sudan.

Poet Richard Blanco will deliver an address at the event, which begins at 4 p.m. at Congress Square Park. Portland Mayor Michael Brennan and Eklas Ahmed, the state representative to the U.S. National Refugee Congress, also will speak at the event.

Born into a Cuban family living in exile, Blanco is known for weaving stories of immigration and community into his poetry. He read a poem at Obama’s second inauguration in 2013.

Following Friday’s event, Salt Institute will host a reception featuring a photography collection, “In the Shadows: Urban Refugee Children in Africa,” by National Geographic photographer and Salt alum Amy Toensing. Toensing will talk about her work and refugee students from The Telling Room will share short stories about their journeys.

The Salt reception will begin at 6 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.


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