June is Immigrant Heritage Month so we wanted to take some time to spotlight a few organizers in our partner states that have been on the ground furthering equity, equality, and progress for those that immigrate to the United States.
Our Organizer Spotlight series are some of the team’s favorite sends because we get to introduce you to leaders like Ana Delia Espino with the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice and Lorena Quiroz with the Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity in Mississippi. Both are amplifying the voices and contributions of immigrants and advocating for policies that typically get overlooked.
Get ready to be inspired by them! More information below…
- Groundwork Project
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What kinds of challenges and opportunities do you see when it comes to organizing in immigrant communities?
"I believe that when we come together as a community we gain so much. The challenge in Alabama is distance. Alabama is still a very rural state. We are challenged with finding ways to build a network of community leaders who have the ability and time to get together for meetings and planning sessions to then return to their towns and have the same conversations at a microlevel for implementation. We are building a network and that takes time, a precious resource when our communities seem to always be under attack."
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young organizers coming from immigrant backgrounds or are first-gen themselves, based on your experience?
"Believe in yourself and in your lived experience, make space for people with different backgrounds and skill sets. Remember that everyone has something to bring to organizing. We are worthy and we matter."
Read Ana Delia’s full interview here
FULL INTERVIEW
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⚡Ana Delia’s Organizing Lightning Round ⚡
⁂ The song you’re currently playing on repeat ⁂
Nadie va a pensar en ti mejor que yo Ed Maverick and norteño version
⁂The self care practice you can’t do this work without ⁂
SAVERS from The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
⁂Person you most hope to see run for President in your lifetime ⁂
Stacey Abrams
⁂Your hopes & dreams for 2022 in five words or less ⁂
Humanity to learn to embrace rest
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Keep in touch with ACIJ by following them on socials!
ACIJ TWITTER
ACIJ INSTAGRAM
ACIJ Facebook
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What is your favorite thing about doing this work?
"Sharing this work with my daughters, organizing with my children and loved ones as they watch history in the making as we transform Mississippi. Building with people that feel like family because we understand what we want for our people. I'm in love with my tribe."
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young organizers coming from immigrant backgrounds or are first-gen themselves, based on your experience?
"Don't be afraid to be your authentic, unapologetic self, don't be afraid to hold people accountable when they are being harmful, and don't forget to surround yourself with community that will hold you accountable when you get too big for your britches, because you will."
Read Lorena’s full interview here
FULL INTERVIEW
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⚡Lorena’s Organizer Lightning Round⚡
⁂ The song you’re currently playing on repeat ⁂
Cancion Bonita by Carlos Vives & Ricky Martin
⁂ The self care practice you can’t do this work without ⁂
Monthly mani-pedi with my daughters
⁂ Person you most hope to see run for President in your lifetime ⁂
Sasha Lewis, my daughter
⁂ Your hopes & dreams for 2022 in five words or less ⁂
Joy, Love and Abundance
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Keep in touch with IAJE by following their work on socials!
IAJE FACEBOOK
IAJE INSTAGRAM
IAJE Twitter