Borders are make believe. Made up. Illusions. Our country’s colonial history is a story of greed and theft, using violence to claim unjust power over places and people.

Migration is natural, beautiful. Let’s not forget our species migrated as we evolved.

Today our country’s racist immigration policies are doing great harm.

Within this untenable system, I am grateful for the following groups and people fighting for justice and dignity. They are true beacons of light.

Missing Melani
At the recent Word on the Street/La Voz de Los Jovenes Thankfulness/Agradecimiento Celebration, there was much joy and celebration of the successes of this wonderful online magazine produced by youth of color. Thanks again to everyone who sponsored me in the Mountain of Words Write-a-Thon, thus supporting this great project! Alas, that night also held sadness and tears, as one of the founding squad members, Melani, announced that she and her mother were being forced to return to El Salvador, with no chance of returning to the U.S. They were given just a few days notice to pack up their lives and to leave their friends and family members in Asheville. Many hearts are hurting. Please click here to give a financial gift Melani and her mom, who can use funds to help reestablish themselves in El Salvador.

Sanctuary for All
Heartbreaking stories like Melani’s remind us of the vital importance of groups like the WNC Sanctuary Movement, a partnership between immigrant and faith communities coordinated by CIMA. A recent email shared, “We have come together in six working groups to holistically address the needs our community members most impacted by the immigration system. We have verified checkpoints, provided legal support for deportation cases, provided critical translation services, and met the basic needs of families with detained family members, among other heroic efforts to bring sanctuary for all. So far, we have raised $14,000 to support this effort – but we need your support to continue to build this movement to reach our $30,000 goal! Want to get involved in other ways? Fill out this form and tell us how you want to step up.” The WNC Sanctuary Movement is holding a meeting on December 6 at 6 pm, details to be announced.

10 Years of Nuestro Centro
In December, Nuestro Centro will celebrate 10 years of transformative work with the Latino community in this area. I am continually impressed by Nuestro Centro’s cultural and community activism. Their programs such as RAICES and Nuestras Escuelas touch many lives in positive ways.  Marking this milestone, Nuestro Centro’s annual Posada will be on Sunday, December 17 at 11 Community Road in Woodfin, starting at 4 pm. Click here to watch a JMProTV interview with the coordinators about this event. Most importantly, Nuestro Centro is currently holding an online fundraiser so they can buy a van and expand their programming, please click here to support!

Screening of 13th fundraiser for Hood Huggers
Mass incarceration is another untenable system fueled by greed and racism. On Monday, December 4, at 6:30 pm, CJJ/West and the ACLU of North Carolina’s Western NC Chapter will be co-sponsoring the screening of “13th,” a documentary by filmmaker Ava DuVernay, at the Altamont Theatre, 13 Church Street. The film explores the history of racial inequality in the US, focusing on the nation’s prisons. A panel discussion will follow. Catering will be provided by Comedy Catering, and Black Star Line Brewing will be featuring its brews. The suggested minimum donation is $5; all net funds will go to Hood Huggers International. RSVP to cjjwest@carolinajewsforjustice.org.

Check out my community action calendar for more upcoming events!

Onward.

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