Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl who has traveled across 13 countries and met more than a million people, is making a stop in Ferndale this Sunday as she travels 6,000 miles across the United States.
She began her journey from the Syrian border and carries a message of hope for immigrants, refugees and displaced people everywhere, especially children who have been separated from their families. Her urgent message is simple – “don’t forget us.”
Her stop at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair, where Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter will greet her, illustrates Oakland County’s commitment to the Welcoming America movement, promoting inclusive communities around the United States that believe when everyone feels safe and accepted, then the community thrives.
Amal’s journey is a celebration of art, hope and shared humanity that aims to unite communities and refocus attention on the urgent needs of refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers. It also highlights the rich cultures and contributions immigrants bring with them. Everyone is welcome to walk with Amal during the Funky Ferndale Art Fair from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24. A car parade, led by Little Amal, is planned for 3:30 p.m., starting at the Ferndale High School and heading north to the fair location. Little Amal will walk through the fair around 4:00 p.m. to the parking lot at Ferndale Foods where the vintage cars will be on display for a car show.
If you are interested in volunteering to support Oakland County’s Little Amal tent at the art fair on Saturday and Sunday, we’d love the help to engage art fair patrons to stop by to sign a blanket that she will take with her on her journey to keep her warm, please email grundm@oakgov.com or call (248) 882-5830.
Follow along with the Welcoming Oakland initiative year round on the Oakland County Executive Office’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about the county’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: OakGov.com/Equity and contact Oakland County Community Liaison, Melanie Grund at grundm@oakgov.com for more information.
Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.