PVI alum Joshua Slack performs CODE SWITCH in Fresno. Eduardo Stanley
Pan Valley Institute (PVI), Fresno
Performance looks at personal, universal life of a Black man in the US
From ArteVism Fellow Rodolfo Robles Cruz: In celebration of Black History month, PVI presented CODE SWITCH by ArteVism Alumnus Joshua Slack and directed by ArteVism Fellow Rodolfo Robles Cruz. This solo performance was a personal and universal dive into the life of a Black man living in the United States. A writer, performer, photographer, activist, and father, Slack had a successful opening night. More performances are anticipated in Madera, Merced, and Visalia as we tour California’s Central Valley with this piece.
The show was prefaced by the talents of local artists, including Shane Ron Lara, a Champion of Visalia Loudmouth Poetry Slam, who performed some of his rap-style poetry. Arielle K. Jones, a Black and queer writer who is a Best of the Net 2020 Finalist, read a powerful and tender short story. And I Adeficha, a queer, gender-free, Nigerian-American writer and performer who is a powerhouse in the poetry world, read three of their pieces for us. They set the tone for the performance and allowed for a further reach into the BIPOC communities and the conversation of Code-Switching in our world.
Alison Kahn
US-Mexico Border Program, San Diego
Advocates speak out against Biden’s new asylum restrictions
The Biden administration has announced plans to institute a ban on asylum seekers who have traveled through another country to reach the U.S. The “administration is replicating some of the worst policies the Trump administration attempted to put forward” and will further endanger migrant lives, says Pedro Rios of AFSC. The administration must withdraw this proposal—and instead protect the right to asylum by providing clear, accessible pathways for all who seek safety. Take action.
Roots for Peace (R4P) Program, Los Angeles
Working for free transit and community-based safety in LA
From Instagram: Roots For Peace has been supporting ACT-LA's fight for Universal Fareless Transit (free Metro Bus and Rail for all!) and the fight for reimagining community-based alternatives for safety on Metro. Metro’s $222 million police contract is soon up for renewal. We know that police lead to more harm in the way of disproportionate citations and violence to working-class Black and brown riders. Help us let the Metro Board know that Angelenos do not support relying on police for safety. We demand that the hundreds of millions of dollars be invested in care-first safety strategies, like the Transit Ambassador Program and better infrastructure, such as improved lighting and more reliable, timely service. Please sign and share this petition.
Economic Activism Program, Oakland
Working to end the exploitation of prison workers
“All major retailers in the US have prison labor in their supply chains,” says Noam Perry of AFSC in The Nation. “They just don’t know it, and they don’t know it because they choose not to know it.” The Nation writes, “Activists say the most important step for ending forced prison is to dismantle the legal scaffolding that prevents court challenges: The 13th Amendment must be changed.” Note: The Economic Activism Program is transitioning to become part of AFSC’s new Global Cohesion unit. We wish them well!
The Young Women’s Freedom Center helps 67 Sueños with a mural.
67 Sueños, Oakland
Youth Coach Up builds support systems among youth
From Facebook: Wasss Up Wass Up y’all! Hope you guys are having an amazing day. Our most recent Youth Coach Up (YCU) highlighted our Youth Justice 10-point plan and used Theater of the Oppressed to connect with youth with one another and practice building support systems within themselves. Because knowledge is power, and power is the youth! Hope to see you join our next YCU.
Christina and Jorge Zaldivar speak at a press conference in Denver.
Immigrant Rights Program, Denver
Colorado family receives great news
For the past 16 years, the U.S. government has tried to deport Jorge Rafael Zaldivar Mendieta, a Denver community leader and member of AFSC’s Not1More Deportation project. After years of organizing, a three-year exile to Mexico, and legal appeals, the good news finally came: Jorge is now a permanent U.S. resident and can remain with his wife and five children in the U.S. Read more.
Patrick Jaramillo addresses the 2023 Annual Farmer Gathering. Angelina Lopez-Brody
People of the Land Program, Albuquerque
Santa Fe Friends host AFSC NM’s annual Farmer Gathering
During the last days of February, AFSC New Mexico hosted its 10th Annual Farmer Gathering. It was the first in-person, indoor event since January 2020, and we were very happy to see everyone. Farmers and staff from partner organizations and local government agencies gathered in person and virtually at the Santa Fe Friends Meeting House to reconnect and strengthen relationships. This came after so much time locked down or distancing due to public health concerns. Read more from Patrick Jaramillo of AFSC.
Healing Justice Program, Oakland
Journalism group honors Healing Justice Program for research work
In April 2022 the CA Healing Justice team published “Equipped for War,” a research report, data visualization, and call to action to demilitarize policing in California, focusing on the police use of military gear. The report earned AFSC the James Madison Freedom of Information Award by the Society of Professional Journalists – Northern California earlier this year.
Pedro Sosa of AFSC (center left) with a reminder about the importance of farmworkers
Project Voice Immigrant Rights Program, Oregon-Washington
Building grassroots leadership in immigrant communities
Across the U.S., many immigrants confront injustices in their everyday lives. For over 19 years, Pedro Sosa has helped immigrants in Oregon and Washington understand their rights. He also helps them develop leadership skills and advocate for more just, humane immigration policies.
Short takes and calendar items
AFSC alums at Just Communities Arizona share their first annual report…. AFSC has joined over 60 faith-based organizations in calling for cuts in the Pentagon budget….Check out the latest news from AFSC’s Midwest Region….March 19 is the deadline for applications for AFSC’s next Emerging Leaders for Liberation cohort….Register for AFSC’s Values-Based Financial Planning webinar set for Wednesday, March 22, 4 pm PT…. Join AFSC’s Annual Corporation meeting in-person or online April 13-15.
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