SearchIf we must have justice, we must be strong; if we must be strong, we must come together.”
-Marcus Garvey
The ‘Build A New Narrative’ leadership training in the Tri-Valley area on Saturday was attended by over 80 individuals representing the Hispanic, Asian, Black/African-American, Filipino, Native American, White and other Ethnicities and Races. Mary Lim-Lampe and Karym Sanchez, Lead Community Organizers representing Gamaliel of California, conducted the trainings on how to be strong, how to have power.
Personal stories about power were shared. Everyone had a chance to practice building power by focusing on self-interests, meeting one-on-one with others to build relationships. How to cut issues and how to take-action were taught and practiced.
Each group described some of their major issues. Latino parents from the Proyecto Esperanza in Tracy and Stockton passionately described the issue of their children not being able to access equal services in public schools. Zarina Kiziloglu of the Islamic community has been coordinating the Tri-Valley Organizing Project. Family members of her group expressed deep concern and fear of the discrimination towards Muslims in the Tri-Valley area and throughout the country. The Disability Justice Group from Oakland are frustrated and tired at the way their staff are treated. Direct Support Professionals, their support staff and caregivers, are being paid minimum wages that are lower than fast food restaurant workers. Racial disparity in services to people with disabilities from families of color is unacceptable.
Action planning followed, with each group deciding on their own next steps locally, but also to continue coming together as a larger group statewide. ‘Divide and conquer’ has been how the powerful keep other people powerless. We can no longer be divided and kept in separate special interest group silos. Each of the groups attending are all fighting for the same civil and human rights. “If we must be strong, we must come together.” -Garvey Together we stand, taller and more powerful!
Tim Hornbecker, Advocacy Coordinator, the Arc of California