Portland, Maine is home to one of the largest Southern Sudanese refugee communities in the United States, many of whom settled in the city after fleeing the Second Sudanese Civil War. On July 9 2011, they gathered to celebrate the birth of the new nation of South Sudan.
Intro and Outro
INTRO:In January 2011, Southern Sudanese living around the world overwhelmingly voted for secession from Sudan following decades of civil war. One of the largest communities of Southern Sudanese refugees in the U.S. is located in the city of Portland, Maine. On July 9th, they celebrated the world's newest nation and shared their thoughts and dreams for its future.
OUTRO:Words and sounds from the first South Sudan Independence Day Celebration, held in Portland Maine on July 9th, from independent producers Alyce Ornella and Andrew Jawitz.





