Atlanta's newcomers arrive from many nations, including Somalia, Bosnia, Vietnam and Iraq.
They arrive here from refugee camps after fleeing wars and religious and ethnic persecution.
Today they will come together to celebrate World Refugee Day with multi-cultural food, music and entertainment. Metro residents can learn about the local refugee communities and how to develop stronger relationships with their new neighbors. The theme of the event is "Building Bridges."
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clarkston Community Center, 3701 College Ave. in Clarkston.
Georgia is home to at least 60,000 refugees, according to the International Rescue Committee.
A coalition of several groups and agencies that work with refugees are sponsoring the event. Those groups include Refugee Family Services, the Center for Pan Asian Community Services and World Relief .
SHELIA POOLE
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Gainesville-based Northeast Georgia Health System named Carol Burrell as its new president and CEO Thursday.
Burrell, a Northeast Georgia native, has served as the health system's interim CEO since November. Formerly vice president and chief operating officer, she played a key role in a $550 million expansion of facilities, operations and IT.
With more than 500 physicians, the health system includes Northeast Georgia Medical Center, as well as three urgent care centers, two imaging centers and other facilities. MISTY WILLIAMS
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