Protecting Immigrants from ICE (LASC Coffeehouse 5/22/17)

Photo: Panel PMares, JLGhertner, LCBocanegra, JCurr (go to See More for full image)
Immigrants, refugees, people without papers – when they are other-than-caucasian, that’s when there’s an issue, to paraphrase our of our wonderful speakers, Leila Cassandra Bocanegra. Black and brown families especially, Asian and Muslim families – families suffer, as her family has, when ICE and Border Patrol agents are stopping and harassing based on racial profiling. The suffering can be even worse with incarceration and/or deportation, tearing families apart and terrorizing whole communities

We had an intense evening of inspiration and shared grief, information and action planning, as our panel shared their knowledge and experience of all kinds re “Understanding ICE and Border Patrol – Protecting Immigrants.”

John Llory Ghertner MD (Migrant Support Services Wayne County, and Greater Rochester Coalition for Immigration Justice), recognized specialist and devoted activist.
Leila Cassandra Bocanegra, Bachelors from SUNY-Geneseo, winner of numerous awards and recognition of her stellar community service and activism in Rochester, NY
Peter Mares (Rural and Migrant Ministry), advocate, immigrant, community outreach worker and US citizen.
John Curr III (New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) Western Regional Office Chapter Director), expert on civil rights and accountability, and dedicated to justice.

Besides videotaping harassment and standing up for human rights – both at gathering re same and even more importantly when someone’s rights are being violated – people are urged to

Call your NY State Legislators! Numbers are at the bottom of this post (also under Governmental Contact Info under the Issues/Taskforces tab of this website). Ask them to support immigrants, refugees, people without papers, and migrant farmworkers by voting for
the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act – Senate Bill 2721/Assembly Bill 4189. It gives

Sat. May 6 Immigrants Solidarity March – and more event listings

Dear Friends wnypeace.org 716-332-3904 716-931-3520

Today’s May Day Unite & Resist is cancelled due to hurricane watch!

Many thanks to the many who made the People’s Solidarity Climate Rally so positive and strong (see wnypeace.org post and fb event page). Thanks too to Activists of Buffalo’s Johanna C. Dominguez who took this and so many great pictures of people coming out to Defend the Sacred, protecting People and the Planet.

We will continue with the National Days of Action this Saturday with the Immigrants Solidarity March/Rally on May 6, 1pm. If we are weathered out with the rain, cold, or other climate events, we’ll hold the entire event at Pilgrim-St Luke’s (Richmond & Utica). Watch our wnypeace.org and fb event page to keep posted

Many Thanks, Peace, Solidarity, and yes Love. Cresley, Kate, Peggy, Vicki, and All

#ClimateMarch “Great . . . Beautiful”

We are so grateful to the many who worked, planned, and came out to give wonderful energy to protect People and the Planet at the People’s Solidarity Climate March here, the DC March, and all over the country!!

We’re especially grateful to our inspiring and insightful speakers – Dr. Michael E. Mann, Cong. Brian Higgins, Julie Barrett-O’Neill, Bill Nowak, the Lifesavers (don’t miss these heartening young people!!), Jessica Meyers-Altman, Agnes Williams – Seneca, Brandon Absher – and to Ismail & Co for the great music! And to our wonderful photographers, Johanna C. Dominguez (Activists of Buffalo on FB) and Alexis Oltmer (Univ @ Bflo: Bachelors of Photography). Our tablers, cosponsors, peacekeepers/guides, Brandi Jensen (videographer), the media (great coverage) …  A most special Nya weh too to our dear Indigenous friends Maria Maybee, Water Protector, and Agnes Williams, Seneca, Indigenous Women’s Initiative, for opening and closing.

Many many thanks to all who came out – estimates average 500. But however many, all who were able to come out were DEFENDING THE SACRED!! and as we have heard from Rev Dr King “… Unarmed Truth and Unconditional Love will have the final word in reality …” That’s why we shall overcome!