This is must read for Black History Month, as well as to spread support to immigrants everywhere through our #ToImmigrantsWithLove campaign.Not rendering correctly?

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Friend,

This Black History Month, FWD.us is amplifying the work of the I Stand With Immigrants Initiative, uplifting the voices of Black people by sharing their stories as they discuss their heritage, culture, and experiences with anti-Blackness in this country. We believe that in order to build a world that upholds the rights of all #immigrants: [link removed], we need to begin understanding the lives of the people who have often been left out of that conversation.

The I Stand With Immigrants Initiative is uplifting the stories of Black people from several ethnic backgrounds about what the statement “we’re all immigrants” means to them. As we continue honoring Black History Month, as well as spread support and encouragement to immigrants everywhere through our #ToImmigrantsWithLove campaign, we want you to meet one of our storytellers Cindy O. Charles.

Cindy was born in Guyana, South America and migrated to the United States by herself as a young adult. Her ancestors were enslaved and brought to Guyana centuries ago. Cindy believes that American systems have ingrained harmful ideologies like xenophobia and anti-Blackness into our society, weakening the relationships between marginalized communities.

As the Founder and CEO of Kupanda Sisters, an international nonprofit organization committed to bringing literacy access and opportunities to underserved communities, Cindy knows that barriers to education are one of the biggest issues facing women and girls around the world.

Read more about Cindy’s heritage and immigration story here: [link removed] Cindy’s work and commitment to bringing literacy access to underserved communities helps make our country — and the world — better every single day.

It is from Cindy’s perspective that, “[We] must look beyond the veil and critically recognize the othering that takes place [for us all].”

Immigrants in the United States, regardless of their ethnic and racial background, live in a society that Cindy believes operates off of anti-Blackness. Instead of fighting against each other, Cindy thinks we should celebrate the many things we all have in common.

“I will tell you that it does bother me when I see us spending time on our differences when there are so many shared experiences: everything from our love of music, art, and food, to our distinct community culture.”

“If we could start respecting each other and sharing more empathy than hate, you will get to see that though we might be different in complexion, we are still people trying to achieve the best for ourselves, family, and communities.”

So in honor of Black History Month and to celebrate the To Immigrants with Love campaign, please take a moment to celebrate Cindy’s heritage and recognize all Black immigrants who bring joy, love, and kindness to America. Share Cindy’s story now. → [link removed]

Thank you,
FWD.us Team

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