Sophia Burns is AFSC's Young Leaders for Change fellow. 

“The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses.” 

-Malcolm X

As we start a new year, we want to acknowledge the amazing work that people like you have done to advance the campaign to Defund Hate by demanding significant cuts to funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  

Thank you for all the ways in which you have joined with AFSC over the past year in building peace and justice—writings letters to Congress, taking part in local actions, mobilizing members of your community, attending trainings and webinars, supporting our work through donations, and sharing our resources with family and friends. 

As 2019 draws to a close, we wanted to share just some of the highlights from the past year, made possible with your support. 

On Dec. 14, 2019, more than 200 faith leaders, migrants, and community members gathered at a park near the San Diego border to celebrate the 26th annual Posada Sin Fronteras (Posada Without Borders). In Tijuana, people also congregated at Mexico’s northwestern border with the United States. Organized by AFSC and partner organizations, the event reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter anticipating the birth of Jesus.

Since 1948, AFSC has worked with Palestinians, Israelis, and the international community to realize a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel. Thank you for being part of our efforts!

Over the past year, we’ve seen signs of progress in our collective work to change government policies and corporate practices that support inequality, the Israeli occupation, and denial of refugees’ rights. 

As 2019 draws to a close, we look at highlights from the past year and how we can continue to work together in the year ahead.