Welcoming Massachusetts Kickoff Event: Immigrants Matter in Massachusetts

BOSTON/Beacon Hill - Welcoming Massachusetts coalition members rallied on the Grand Staircase of the State House Tuesday July 8 to send the message to government officials and residents that "immigrants matter in the state of Massachusetts." Welcoming Massachusetts participants representing a broad coalition of faith labor education and immigrant community organizations gathered on the steps to form the shape of a heart while speakers shared their perspectives on the important roles immigrants play in Massachusetts. Speakers drew attention to the fact that although our nation was formed by immigrants on the basis of universal unalienable rights recent attention to immigration reform has created more hostile working and living spaces for some immigrants living in the United States. Emily Szargowicz of the Jewish Community Relations Council urged observers to remember that "America truly is a nation of immigrants rich with diversity traditions and foundations laid by generations before us." Enid Epstein of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East pictured in the accompanying YouTube video noted that hospitals and doctors' offices rely heavily on immigrants and lead participants in a rousing chorus of "Yes we can! ¡Sí se puede!" Other speakers included Molly Brandt a high school student from Brookline and member of Jobs with Justice Edwin Arguenta from Jobs with Justice Carline Desire Executive Director of the Association of Haitian Women Pastor Gregory Bishop of the Lion of Judah Congregation Gladys Vega Executive Director of the Chelsea Collaborative and Suzanne Lee Principal of the Josiah Quincy School and Chairperson of the Chinese Progressive Association. After speaking participants broke bread with one another. A list of elected Massachusetts officials who have endorsed a more welcoming Massachusetts is available on the Welcoming Massachusetts site. Bookmark/Search this post with: Delicious Digg StumbleUpon Reddit Newsvine Facebook Google Yahoo Technorati