Unity Action on Immigration

When: September 11th, 2017
Where: First United Methodist Church, Eureka

True North Organizing Network Leaders hosted a community event in support of our immigrant community on Monday September 11, 2017 from 7:00 - 8:30pm at the Eureka First United Methodist Church, presenting a summary of months of research and hosting a dialogue with public officials to further the cause of building and supporting a safe and comfortable community with our immigrant loved ones, co-workers and neighbors.

In early 2017, members of the Latino/a Local Organizing Committee based in Eureka approached the Coastal Humboldt Local Organizing Committee to ask for their support in researching immigration in the local region. Their request came as newly elected United States leadership made public statements about increasing deportations and strengthening actions and legislation to support said deportations. Such statements have caused our immigrant communities to live in fear on a daily basis - fear of being out in the community together as families, fear of being pulled over for minor traffic violations, and fear of reaching out to local public service providers for help, especially including law enforcement. When we stand up for the dignity and rights of a particular group of people, we stand up for the dignity and rights of all people. In order for everyone to feel and be safe we need community members, immigrant or not, to trust in calling on law enforcement and other public service leaders without the fear of being deported and separated from their families.

September 11, 2001 marks a historical tragic event when the nation watched as innocent lives were taken away by hateful actions. This pivotal day also marks a tragic spiral into furthering the fear of ‘othering’, as communities of the Muslim faith became associated as terrorists. Over time, other foreign born residents have been targeted as criminals for seeking a better life in the United States. True North Leaders chose this day with intention, because as this tragedy struck the nation it unified communities across differences in a time of crisis. As we continue to feel the ripple effects of the September 11 tragedy from 16 years ago, True North Leaders want to create a public space where coming together for a common cause can be safe, no matter from where a person comes from.