Distributing aid and supplies to Gaza elders in Beit Hanoun during the coronavirus pandemic AFSC
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Putting Gaza back into the conversation on Israeli annexation
“Why has the Gaza Strip been excluded from the conversation on annexation?” writes Jehad Abusalim of AFSC. “This question has haunted me for months, and upon the deadline for Israel’s bid to annex parts of the West Bank, it begs more attention.” Read these stories from elders in Gaza, check out this joint Quaker statement on potential annexation and take action. Mark your calendar for the next No Way to Treat a Child webinar on Tuesday, July 28 at 11 am CT.
Former AFSC Michigan staffer Ron Simpson-Bey
Advocating with and for people in prison
This Politico article about the work of the National Lifers Association to advocate for people in prison before and during the COVID-19 pandemic features former AFSC Michigan staffer Ron Simpson-Bey and quotes Natalie Holbrook, who directs the AFSC-MI Criminal Justice Program. Jacq Williams of AFSC is quoted here about legislation that would offer new protections for people in prison who are pregnant.
St. Louis work focuses on real student safety
In the AFSC St. Louis July newsletter, Jonathan Pulphus thanks people for being involved in the campaign calling for St. Louis Public Schools to defund its present policing model and invest in #realstudentsafety. “Due to your support,” he writes, “we are currently at 1000+ signatures on our Change.org petition and are in the process of meeting with the superintendent to move our efforts forward.” Joshua Saleem, who directs the program, shares this press release with organizations’ demands to end policing in schools.
AFSC Twin Cities staff Ebelin Morales, left, and nhu richards
Work continues for racial justice in the Twin Cities
Shanene Herbert, director of AFSC's Healing Justice program in Minnesota, talks about how community members are continuing to come together weeks after the police murder of George Floyd. Shanene turned the camera around and interviewed organizers of a recent Youth Will Rise March sponsored by AFSC’s Youth Undoing Institutional Racism. Organizers wrote: “As Black youth and POC youth, we have walked through the flames of trauma with police brutality and racism all while still being expected to go school and work to support ourselves and our families.” Stay up to date on the YUIR Twin Cities Facebook page.
Black Lives Matter community memorial in Chicago
Chicagoans work to defund, get police out of schools
AFSC in Chicago joined with other groups to issue this report on why it’s time for the Chicago Public Schools to divest from the Chicago Police Department, an effort that has come within one vote of success. Keep up with this work on Twitter by checking out #CopsOutCPS and #PoliceFreeSchools and following staffers Mary Zerkel and Debbie Southorn. Mary is quoted in this article about surveillance and blogs on reimagining community safety and why we need to stand with protesters. Check out the latest #NoCopAcademy post and all of AFSC’s resources on defunding police here.
Midwest staff Jesus Palafox (upper left) and Jody Mashek (upper right) join
colleagues from New Jersey and DC in celebrating the DACA decision.
Celebrating a win on DACA, standing with meatpacking workers
AFSC and partners across the country celebrated the recent US Supreme Court decision upholding DACA. See this press release, video and public radio story from Iowa. Jesus Palafox and Jody Mashek of AFSC joined Facebook Live presentations in Spanish and English. This past week, AFSC Iowa participated in a week of action against Tyson Foods, joining over 120 organizations in signing onto a letter sent to its largest shareholders “to urge the company to take immediate additional action to protect the safety and wellbeing of its workers related to coronavirus exposure.”
Migwe Kimemia, right, with colleagues in Dayton
Celebrating Migwe Kimemia’s service with AFSC
Hillary Curran of AFSC writes: June 30 marked Migwe Kimemia’s last official day as staff with AFSC and the end of AFSC’s 56 years of work in Dayton.
In his nearly 18 years with the organization, Migwe brought attention to the needs of immigrant and refugees in Ohio. Migwe propelled the Dayton program into a beacon of support and hope for those new to the US. Because of his deep community ties and positive attitude, 915 Salem Avenue was often one of the first places immigrants and refugees came when they needed assistance and a much-needed sense of community.
Throughout his time with AFSC, Migwe’s high level of expertise and deeply-rooted analysis resulted in his ability to effectively advocate for immigrants as they faced barriers and challenges. Migwe was able to leverage his knowledge into tangible gains in policy and advocacy work, and in the last few years worked with college students to develop organizing skills and systems of accountability on their respective campuses.
Migwe’s work was housed in a building that was donated to AFSC by a Quaker in 1964. At one time a regional hub, the building was home to several programs that focused on community and race relations, human rights, criminal justice, economic justice, and advocacy for youth and community members.
It was important to Migwe and his community partners that after the program was laid down the building go to a like-minded organization doing peace and social justice work. In accordance with those wishes, AFSC is currently in the process of donating the building to the Dayton unit of the NAACP.
In a minute of appreciation to Migwe, the Midwest Executive Committee quoted his own words: “I believe everybody has a role to play, whether they’re immigrants or not. Everybody has a gift you bring to this world. Let us share those gifts. We can make a difference. You alone can have all the gifts you have, but you cannot do everything alone. There is a value in coming together for the common good.” Please join us in celebrating Migwe’s accomplishments and his long tenure with AFSC. Here is a
photo tribute to him.
Short Takes
The Central Iowa Immigrant Emergency Support Fund, organized by AFSC and partners, has assisted 167 families in Iowa affected by the pandemic with over $131,000. More than 100 families are still waiting for financial assistance; you can donate here….Tatjana Rebelle and Robert Awkward, former AFSC interns in Indianapolis, respectively write about what real change requires and this “group text to my white friends”….David Drake, a Des Moines Friend and incoming president of the national Physicians for Social Responsibility, led a successful coalition effort to have Des Moines’ mayor sign this “Back from the Brink” resolution to prevent nuclear war.
Grateful for your support
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