I took a little study break from finals this afternoon to participate in the Ann Arbor protest against SB1070 that will require Arizona immigrants to carry identification documents on them at all times. They will now be able to be asked to show proper identification if they “look” like they could be illegal. How does someone look illegal? This is an open invitation for legalized discrimination based on the color of someone’s skin or the language that they speak. Not Fair. Even though we are thousands of miles away the Ann Arbor community stood in solidarity with immigrants in Arizona to show the state and federal governments that we will not stand for injustice. Fellow blogger and Public Health student Carrie was at the protest too! Here are some pictures:
Also, it got me thinking about graduation day. Saturday, May 1st, is the school wide graduation at the stadium with President Obama as the key note speaker. May 1st is also May Day- or International Workers Day/Labour Day. May 1st will also be the day of a huge protest in Ann Arbor to remind the President to stand behind the DREAM Act and Comprehensive Immigration reform.
Saturday will kick off at 9AM-11:30AM at Frisinger park (on Stadium and Woodbury) in Ann Arbor. Then there will be a Human Circle around the stadium at 10AM-12PM on the public sidewalk of Keech from Greene to Main (along Main street). THEN there will be a march in Detroit from 1:00PM to 3:30PM (you can sign up to get a bus ride to Detroit by emailing mireforimmigrationmayday@gmail.com).
It really got me thinking about what is important to me. Sure, I am graduating but how can I enjoy the fruits of my labor if I know that so many people cannot enjoy the fruits of their labor, and are being treated unjustly. I would love to see some people in caps and gowns at the protest.
Please call the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for Michigan representatives: Senator Debbie Stabenow, Senator Carl Levin, and Congressman John Dingell. Tell them you stand in solidarity with the protest against this horrible piece of legislation and ask them to take a stand against it. Also, call Arizona Governor Brewer (the one who signed this anti immigrant, racially profiling legislation into law) at (602) 542-4331. Tell her you do not agree with it.
Si se puede!
Paz is Peace 