For Immediate Release: October 3, 2013
What: National Day of Dignity and Respect
Charlottesville: Dramatic Storytelling of Collective Immigration History
Harrisonburg: Pilgrimage in Remembrance of Loved Ones Deported or Deceased
When: Saturday, October 5 at 3 p.m. (both events)
Where:
Harrisonburg: Simms School (620 Simms Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802)
Harrisonburg, Va.—As part of the National Day of Dignity and Respect, Virginia Organizing will host five events across the state.
In Charlottesville, Virginia Organizing will join Sojourners United Church of Christ Racial Justice Group, University-Community Action for Racial Equity, and Casa Alma Catholic Worker for a dramatic storytelling of collective immigration history of the city.
In Harrisonburg, Virginia Organizing will facilitate a pilgrimage in remembrance of deported loved ones and those who died crossing the border.
"Sharing our stories of immigration is incredibly important,” said Father Daniel Robayo, Virginia Organizing Harrisonburg Chapter leader. “We want people to know what it takes to make it to the U.S., that not every immigrant is accepted with open arms, and that people only want a better opportunity for their families. Everyone can identify with the desire to give children better opportunities."
On October 2, a comprehensive immigration reform bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that provides a path to citizenship and provides protections for the 11 million undocumented immigrants living and working in our communities.
“Virginia Organizing is hopeful that a comprehensive immigration reform bill with a path to citizenship will be passed this year,” said Virginia Organizing Board Chairperson Sandra A. Cook.
The National Day of Action for Dignity & Respect marks the beginning of the immigrant rights movement’s escalation in the fight for citizenship for aspiring citizens and the immediate end to deportations. More than 130 events are planned on October 5 across the U.S.
Public Service Announcements (PSAs) are available by five-time Grammy award winners Los Tigres del Norte, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (ENG/SPAN), and others, which are being played on national and local Spanish media TV and radio stations. Artists and designers from across the country are also participating in the National Day for Dignity and Respect.
Immigration rights groups will continue to escalate their efforts with a rally and free concert on Tuesday, October 8 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., beginning at 12:30 p.m. Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend.
To interview a spokesperson for Virginia Organizing or this event, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.
Virginia Organizing is a non-partisan statewide grassroots organization that brings people together to create a more just Virginia.
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