The Human Side of Immigration - May 7 Educational Event

RISC-Holy Family educational event

Earlier this month, RISC hosted an educational event about migration from Latin America to the U.S. Over 75 attendees heard from community leaders, youth, and immigrants, learning about the challenges that immigrants face and how they can show solidarity. After hearing from several speakers, attendees were split into smaller breakout groups to discuss the topic of immigration and what they learned. We would like to thank the Church of the Holy Family for helping organize this event and allowing RISC to utilize their space.

Brian Alexander, social justice minister, and Liz Panchik, ESL coordinator, both from the Church of the Holy Family, gave an opening prayer and spoke about the religious importance of supporting immigrants. Brian, Liz, and others members of the Holy Family community have spearheaded several efforts to support refugee families and educate people about immigration.

Beatriz Amberman, Chair of the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations, member of the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission, and leader in the local Latino community talked about the about the topic of immigration from Latin America. She also emphasized the necessity for people of faith to join efforts to advance immigrant justice.

Dan Harner, Chief of Staff for Virginia State Delegate Phil Hernandez and board member of the Agricultural Workers Advocacy Coalition (AWAC), highlighted the plight of the migrant agricultural workers across the Chesapeake Bay, who often face mistreatment and treacherous working conditions. He shared the efforts of AWAC to support and advocate for these workers, including through AWAC’s new initiative to gather AC units for workers (since air conditioning is not provided in the workers’ camps).

Camilla Perez-Rosario, a sophomore at Norfolk Academy and the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, gave a heartfelt speech about her own family’s background, their immigration story, and the challenges the have faced as immigrants while in the United States. She also emphasized the importance of community and support for newly arrived immigrants, and the impact her community had on her family while they were adjusting to life in the United States.

Zaina Mohammed, Executive Director of Hampton Roads Refugee Relief (HR3), was scheduled to speak about HR3’s initiatives supporting immigrants and refugees locally, as well as the challenges immigrants face when moving to a new country, however she was not able to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. If you are interested in volunteering for or donating to HR3, please visit their website at hr3va.org.

Lastly, Alejandro talked about his mother’s immigration story and why he was inspired to start RISC. He also recounted the development of RISC from a small, school-based project to a community-wide organization, and the various initiatives RISC has been involved in, including our Rapid Response Network. He also discussed the current situation of immigrants in the United States, within the context of growing xenophobic sentiments and anti-immigrant policies, and the importance of standing in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors.

The event concluded with attendees being split into smaller breakout groups, where they discussed their immigrant stories (whether it be their personal experience or that of their ancestors), their thoughts on the presentations they heard, and their ideas for how to support the immigrant community in these uncertain times.

We would like to thank everyone who attended and participated in this event, as well as our amazing speakers and our friends at the Church of the Holy Family. Please sign up for our newsletter or follow our Instagram account to be notified about future events!