Reza Jalali will share the deeply moving saga of his own refugee experience, along with emblematic stories of more recent New Mainers. This program, presented live and on Zoom, is part of a free speaker series lecture and Q&A cohosted by Patten Free Library and Bath Area Family YMCA. Registration is required for Zoom only.

Reza Jalali is an author, educator, and immigrant advocate, and former executive director of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center.  He is profiled in Making it in America: a Sourcebook on Eminent Ethnic Americans and has been featured in National Public Radio’s acclaimed storytelling program, The Moth Radio.

As a member of Amnesty International USA Board of Directors, Jalali has led delegations to refugee camps in Turkey and Bosnia.  In 1992, he visited the White House as part of a national delegation to discuss the plight of Kurdish refugees fleeing Iraq.  He has taught at the University of Southern Maine and Bangor Theological Seminary. 

His books include the award-winning children’s book, Moon Watchers and Homesick Mosque and Other Stories.  Jalali also co-authored New Mainers and Dear Maine.  His books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.