Seema Reflects on the Immigrant Justice Teach-In

Below are Seema Sked’s Reflections from the 9/21 Teach-In on Immigrant and Social Justice. Seema is the Peace Center’s Advocacy Coordinator and organizer of our International Day of Peace Teach-In on Immigrant and Social Justice. 

Photo by Sarmistha Talukdar Photography

Looking back and trying to decide the most impactful speaker of the day is impossible, really. We heard the voices of many people: Trans, LGBTQ, LatinX, Black, Immigrant, Refugee, Jewish, Muslim, Faith Leaders, Undocumented, Social Justice Warriors, Activists, and Allies.

Photo by Sarmistha Talukdar Photography

We learned how to be an Ally, and listened from a Know Your Rights training expert. We heard music, listened to spoken word artists, and witnessed a beautiful, interpretive dance (with audience participation). We heard from organizations that do the work, by allowing the voices of those impacted to speak and educate us, rather than the other way around. We heard from Rebeca Jimenez, who’s family has been harassed by their local police department. Her son was being detained and needed help before being picked up by ICE officials. Allies surrounded her family and stood up to demand his release. Phone calls and a physical presence – non-violent direct action. It worked. We stood up together, as a community, and it worked. Many of those allies were present on Saturday, including Shannon Spiggle from Never Again Action – Mid-Atlantic. (She also spoke at the event). She was one of many allies that helped liberate Rebeca’s son.
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So, what’s the overall message of the day?

We keep us safe.
Once we stop looking at ourselves as individual people and see ourselves as part of a
community;
Once we realize our struggles are interconnected;
Once we realize we’re not alone;
Then, we are better prepared to stand up for one another. When we Listen to what each other needs, only then we can truly help each other.
We need to come together peacefully. Listen to one another. Learn from each other. Connect with each other. And Take Action.
It starts with taking a step back, to Listen.
It’s already working.

Photo by Sarmistha Talukdar Photography

Please join us.
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Rebeca Jimenez is the leader of Rompiendo El Hielo, which is focused on ending the collaboration of Henrico County Sheriff’s office with ICE. 

If you think you see ICE, call the ICE Watch Hotline at 804-453-2122