Jan. 1 marks new birth for many refugees

CHICAGO – Baraka Kubaya celebrated his birthday on Monday. So did the Sudan native’s wife, co-worker and next-door neighbor.

They all came to Chicago as refugees from Africa, and for various reasons, their actual dates of birth were never recorded.

When refugees leave or enter countries, aid workers or government officials require birth dates on forms. Without definitive proof, officials often enter an easy placeholder: Jan. 1.

In cities like Chicago, which has a large refugee population, group birthday celebrations are common on New Year’s Day. Many of the parties combine traditional rituals from home countries with American touches, such as balloons and noisemakers.

Kubaya said he was born 45 years ago during the rainy season, probably around May. He views his new birthday as a symbol of a fresh start in a new land.

“Finally, it’s going to mean something, that I accept that day,” said Kubaya, who arrived in Chicago seven months ago. “It will say that I am completely at peace in this new country. It means a new page in my life.”

About two-thirds of a 150-member “Lost Boys” organization in Chicago share a Jan. 1 birthday. Members, orphaned and made homeless in Sudan’s civil war, plan a Jan. 18 party hosted by Luol Deng, a native of Sudan who plays for the Chicago Bulls.

“It is an event that can bring us together and remind us what we have been through,” said Peter Magai Bul, a member of the Sudanese Community Association of Illinois, who turned 25 on Monday.