Rwandans and Friends of Rwanda living in North Dakota in the United States of America gathered in Dickinson on Saturday, June 6, 2026, to commemorate Kwibuka 32, marking the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Hosted at Dickinson State University, the event brought together members of the Rwandan diaspora, local residents, faith leaders, community representatives, and supporters for a day dedicated to remembrance, reflection, education, and solidarity.
The commemoration began with welcome and opening remarks delivered by Pastor Dave and Ella, who encouraged attendees to reflect on the significance of remembering the victims of the genocide while embracing the values of unity, compassion, and resilience. Their message set a respectful and reflective tone for the gathering, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical memory and supporting survivors and their families.
Participants then took part in the Walk to Remember, a symbolic procession that honored the lives lost during the genocide while recognizing the strength and perseverance of survivors. The walk served as a powerful expression of unity among attendees, bringing together people from different backgrounds in a shared commitment to remembrance and the promotion of peace. Community members walked side by side in solidarity, demonstrating that the lessons of the past continue to inspire efforts toward a more peaceful future.
Following the walk, attendees observed a solemn moment of silence in memory of the more than one million victims who were killed during the Genocide against the Tutsi. The period of reflection allowed participants to honor those who lost their lives and to acknowledge the profound impact the tragedy continues to have on survivors, families, and communities around the world.
One of the most meaningful moments of the event was the Light of Hope Ceremony, led by USRCA President-Elect Herbert Diego. The ceremony symbolized hope, resilience, healing, and unity. As participants gathered together, the lighting of candles served as a reminder that despite the darkness of the past, survivors and their communities have demonstrated extraordinary courage in rebuilding their lives and fostering reconciliation. The commemoration reinforced the message that remembrance is not only about honoring the past but also about inspiring future generations to reject hatred and promote human dignity.
The commemoration continued with the reading of victims’ names, a deeply emotional tribute that personalized the immense loss caused by the genocide. By speaking the names of victims aloud, participants ensured that those who were killed would be remembered not as statistics but as individuals whose lives, dreams, and contributions mattered. The tribute highlighted the importance of preserving memory and maintaining the historical record for future generations.
Attendees were also moved by a personal testimony shared by Mrs. Ernestine, a local community member and survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Her testimony offered a powerful and personal perspective on the suffering experienced during the genocide, as well as the challenges and determination involved in rebuilding a life afterward. Her testimony underscored the resilience of survivors and served as an important reminder of the lasting impact of genocide on individuals, families, and communities.
To provide additional historical context, organizers screened a short documentary examining the origins of the genocide, and Rwanda’s journey of recovery and reconstruction in the years that followed. The documentary offered educational insights for attendees, particularly younger generations and non-Rwandan guests, helping deepen understanding of the historical significance of the genocide and the importance of continued remembrance.
Speaking on behalf of Ibuka ND, community leader Dieudonné delivered remarks emphasizing the responsibility of preserving the truth about the Genocide against the Tutsi and supporting survivors. He highlighted the role of remembrance activities in combating genocide denial and distortion while promoting education, justice, and reconciliation. His message encouraged community members to remain committed to honoring victims and ensuring that the lessons of history are passed on to future generations.
The event also featured remarks from Carter Fong, representing the City of Dickinson, North Dakota. Fong expressed solidarity with the Rwandan community and acknowledged the importance of commemorating historical tragedies to promote understanding and prevent future atrocities. He praised the efforts of the local Rwandan community in preserving their history and culture while contributing positively to the broader Dickinson community.
Throughout the day, participants reflected on themes of remembrance, resilience, and hope. The gathering provided an opportunity for survivors, families, friends, and supporters to come together in honoring the memory of those who were lost while celebrating the strength of those who survived. As the global Rwandan community continues to mark Kwibuka 32, the event in Dickinson stood as a testament to the enduring commitment to remembering the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi, supporting survivors, and promoting a future built on unity, peace, and human dignity.
The Kwibuka 32 commemoration in North Dakota concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among participants, who reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the memory of the victims and ensuring that the lessons of the genocide continue to inspire efforts toward justice, reconciliation, and the prevention of future atrocities around the world.
