67 Sueños mural painting July 2022 AFSC
67 Sueños, Oakland
Youth start on 15th mural in Oakland, seek public safety for all
From Instagram: After completing several days of orientation, the youth of 67 Sueños have begun the beautiful process of creating their latest mural.
67 folks recently held a Summer Mural Paint Party and write: “Thank you Community! We had such a fun and dope time painting together! Much love & appreciation to our youth, the Mommas, Babies, brothers, femtors, friends, and community for showing up & showing out!”
67 Sueños recently joined with other youth leaders throughout Alameda County to create a 10-point plan for youth justice. This plan is inspired by the Black Panthers and amplifies the changes that youth want to see in their communities. The demands point to ways in which the county can prevent violence and promote public safety for all people. We must center and amplify youth voices.
A portion of the border wall
US-Mexico Border Program, San Diego
Take action to save Friendship Park
AFSC is a member of Friends of Friendship Park, which reports that Homeland Security officials plans to construct two 30-foot replacement border walls across the face of Friendship Park, the historic binational meeting place at the western-most end of the US-Mexico border. Pedro Rios of AFSC told NBC News, “It’s a border wall that is taller, that will not provide a feature for public access and will decimate the legacy of Friendship Park.” Sign this petition to save the park.
Immigrant Rights Program, Denver
Coloradoans rally in support of DACA
In the face of court challenges, AFSC and partners rallied at the Colorado Statehouse recently to call on legislators at all levels to act now to protect DACA recipients. Carlos Reyes Aguilar, a member of AFSC’s Not1More Table, says there are many people like him “who don’t know their homes in Mexico and have no family there.” Take action for citizenship for all.
Economic Activism Program, Oakland
Ben and Jerry’s board stands up for Palestinian rights
The Ben and Jerry’s independent board has sued its parent company, Unilever, for its decision to cave in to Israeli pressure. Following unprecedented pressure from US states, lawsuits, and a billionaire investor takeover, Unilever agreed to sell off its Israeli business altogether, just so that Ben and Jerry’s ice cream could continue to be sold by a local licensee in illegal Israeli settlements. Noam Perry of AFSC tweets: “This is wild. So in order to keep selling @benandjerrys in illegal Israeli settlements, @Unilever relinquished all rights to, control of, and profits from this brand in Israel. Some companies would go to great lengths to keep violating human rights.”
Curators of the Acequia exhibit, including Sayrah Namaste (in red)
People of the Land Program, Albuquerque
Exhibit on New Mexico waterways is a huge success
Sayrah Namaste reports that AFSC New Mexico recently co-created an exhibit with community partners about New Mexico’s unique water democracy, called the acequia system. The exhibit was a huge success and, as a result, the City of Albuquerque has requested the exhibit be shown through their facilities. Over 1500 people viewed the exhibit. Read more.
Pedro Sosa of AFSC addresses an anti-detention rally.
Project Voice Immigrant Rights Program, Oregon-Washington
In the face of tragic deaths, AFSC calls for safe avenues to migrate
Pedro Sosa shares this message from AFSC: We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives in San Antonio. Safe avenues to migrate to the U.S. do not exist and racist policies effectively block asylum seekers from presenting asylum claims to U.S. authorities, forcing them to use dangerous crossing methods. For decades, U.S. policymakers have adopted border policies that use death as a deterrent, where a militarized response to people seeking safe harbor has resulted in needless suffering and increased loss of life. Take action to aid asylum seekers and end Title 42.
Roots for Peace (R4P) Program, Los Angeles
Practicing Food Sovereignty: Corn Harvest/Elotiza
Members of the South Los Angeles Community Farm gathered to honor their collective work in growing the three sisters: corn, beans, and squash. Over 40 heads of purple corn were harvested and grilled on site with the husks still on. People shared their joy and ancestral wisdom including stories of their home countries, naming they had not tasted corn like this in decades. They also made plans for future collective planting, including the following year's corn planting. AFSC is supporting an important aspect of food sovereignty, helping immigrant communities have autonomy over their methods of producing, obtaining, and distributing food.
Healing Justice Program, Oakland
Working with allies and officials to demilitarize police
AFSC continues to support communities across California in advocating for police demilitarization, thanks to new law AB481. We work with both local activists and officials. With local activists, we provide analysis of their proposed policy, pointing out any shortcomings. Because of our extensive work across the state, we have a unique vantage point of common policy shortcomings, both in non-compliance with the law and in unchecked police militarism. We are also able to provide this expertise in live community conversations and public hearings. Recently, we have joined as panelists in Berkeley and Oakland committee meetings to share our expertise on AB481 implementation— and advised Richmond city officials around their proposed policy. We welcome inquiries from other communities, whether from activists or officials, in better understanding their AB481 policies and using the law to advocate for police demilitarization across California.
Photo: David Bacon
Pan Valley Institute (PVI), Fresno
Ally: Migrant justice means facing root causes, building solidarity
David Bacon of the Dignity Campaign has been a long-time ally of PVI. In this recent piece, David writes: “Aid and loans will not stop the flow of migrants because dealing with the root causes of migration requires fundamental, structural change in the relationship between the U.S. and Latin America.”
AFSC: SCOTUS decision overturning Roe should concern us all
Short takes
The AFSC Human Mobility Team in Latin America and the Caribbean share their thoughts on why the Biden administration must do more to address the root causes of migration…. Keyvan Shafiei of AFSC offers these 4 things you should know about the incarceration of LGBTQ+ people and our related toolkit….Stay safe with AFSC’s guide to protesting….Dan Jasper of AFSC writes on the need for climate change diplomacy with North Korea…. Join a webinar at 4 pm PT on July 27 regarding ending the Selective Service for All….Check out AFSC’s updated Friends Engage webpage…. Applications are due August 12 for AFSC’s Quaker Engagement Coordinator.
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