Movements Uniting – Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Against Racism, Sexism, Homophobia and Hate Working Together

Press Pool Story

Students protested on the CCSU campus on November 9th, the day after the November 8th elections, to “Take a Stand” for immigrant rights and against discrimination, racism, sexism, homophobia and hate. The demonstration was the beginning of what organizers plan as a coming together of movements concerned about the future, in the wake of the election.

The immigrant rights group “Manos Unidas” met this week in New Britain. “Manos Unidas,” which means “United Hands,” is developing strategies for working together and for uniting with the broader community.  The group is encouraging the community to attend more events being organized.

One such event was a forum held on Tuesday, November 15th, by a coalition of student organizations at CCSU, called “Creating a Bridge Between Black Lives Matter & Undocumented Immigrant Rights Movements”.  About 80 students and community residents attended the discussion, held on the 2nd floor of the Marcus White Living Room at CCSU.

A rally and march, sponsored by the Connecticut Immigrants Rights Alliance (CIRA), is also planned to promote unity across movements, organizations, and communities on Monday, November 21st in Hartford.  The event will begin by meeting at 3:30pm at the Abraham A. Ribicoff Federal Building and Courthouse at 450 Main Street in Hartford, followed by a march to the Old State House, at 800 Main Street in Hartford. The event is planned to run from 3:30 to 6:00pm, and organizers welcome all to participate.

Another issue discussed by Manos Unidas at its meeting is the bullying of immigrants in New Britain schools, and how teachers handle the issue. The group plans to meet with New Britain’s Board of Education to discuss the issue.