Banner from GLAHR- Photo by Diane Ovalle
This past December our trip in the south included a screening in Atlanta, Georgia. A place where they also experience similar Arizona “SB1070-style” hate laws like HB87 and suffer under 287g immigration enforcement programs. It was familiar territory for us when visiting people in Atlanta as we heard stories of racial profiling, abuse by county sheriff deputies, and a rise in resentment toward Latino residents. However, these challenges have not defeated the community there and that was most evident when we met up with the organization GLAHR- Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights in Atlanta. http://www.glahr.org/
Comités de Defensa del Barrio training books- Photo by Diane Ovalle
The screening that night was graciously hosted by GLAHR and we learned much about the important work they do. They have built a solid connection with migrant communities and effected areas in Atlanta and in rural Georgia that face racial profiling and intimidation. Their work has helped organize their own version of Comités de Defensa del Barrios in various areas around the city and in farming communities, and also organizing abuse documentation to help these communities advocate for their human and worker rights. On our visit there we were fortunate to be present for the first day of their brand new radio station 1310 AM in Atlanta that went live on air and promoted the Under Arpaio screening later that evening.
Diane Ovalle on GLAHR Radio interview- Photo by Barni Axmed Qaasim
Throughout our visit it was clear that the fight in Arizona goes beyond state lines and into places like Atlanta. Audience members were energized about continuing to take on their own community challenges after seeing the film and hearing about experiences in Arizona from Puente Movement organizer, Diane Ovalle. It was on that day that the Department of Homeland Security terminated the 287g agreement with Sheriff Arpaio. A moment we were able to share with enthusiasm among our new friends and allies, but also and opportunity to learn about the next steps ahead for people in Arizona to continue to work toward the end 287g, Secure Communities, and senseless separation of families all over the country. New alliances were built that day. We were even more committed to make sure that Under Arpaio could be a resource for effected communities all over. A way to come together and join in a movement that respects humanity and ends injustices under U.S. immigration enforcement policy everywhere.
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