NC Reads: American Refuge

North Carolina Reads annually features five books that explore issues of racial, social and gender equity and the history and culture of North Carolina. Join us as we discuss these five books that pose critical questions about how North Carolinians view their role in helping to form a more just and inclusive society. 

May 4 book - American Refuge by Diya Abdo

• (Nonfiction) 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. We learn that these refugees from Burma, Burundi, Iraq, Palestine, Syria and Uganda lived in homes they loved, left against their will, moved to countries without access or rights and were among the 1% of the "lucky" few to resettle after a long wait, almost certain never to return to the homes they never wanted to leave. We learn that anybody, at any time, can become a refugee. 

For a free copy of the book, please contact Anthony Dykhouse at (910) 483-7727 ext. 1404 or adykhouse@cumberlandcountync.gov. 

North Carolina Humanities' North Carolina Reads is a statewide book club exploring issues of racial, social and gender equity and the history and culture of North Carolina. North Carolina Humanities is a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, opinions or recommendations expressed do not necessarily represent those of NC Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.