Friday, September 22, 2023
5:00 PM
Activities begin at 5 pm; walk begins at 6 pm. FREE PARKING is available at National Veterans Memorial and Museum (300 W. Broad St.) – nearby to Genoa Park!
Little Amal, the internationally-celebrated 12-foot-tall puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl, will be arriving in Columbus on September 22 as part of her epic 6,000-mile journey across the United States this fall. Throughout the two-month trek, which will span more than 35 U.S. cities and towns for 100+ events, some of the country’s most influential cultural institutions and artists will come together to greet Amal and add their unique color to the rich tapestry of America’s story.
People from throughout Central Ohio are invited to greet Amal and participate in her journey through Columbus. Activities, including the opportunity to make welcome signs and love notes for Amal, as well as craft-making with paper and ribbons to commemorate the occasion, will begin at 5 pm in Genoa Park in Downtown Columbus.
At 6 pm, Amal will begin her Columbus journey near the U.S. Supreme Court Building. She will walk across the Broad Street bridge, accompanied by performers from local arts organizations including the Columbus Saints drum line. Her journey will conclude in Genoa Park, as more artists and performers from the Columbus community, including poet Sara Abou Rashed and dancers from Momentum, share in welcoming Amal to Columbus. Food trucks will be on-site at Genoa Park throughout the event as well.
Attendees will share in the spirit of welcome, build an awareness and understanding of the challenges of displaced individuals and families, and learn more about Amal’s journey and organizations dedicated to serving immigrant and refugee populations.
Learn more about Little Amal, her journey, and mission, here.