Immigration is a Black Issue, a Gender Issue and a Social Justice Issue
Session Type(s): Panel
Starts: Saturday, Jul. 15 9:00 AM (Central)
Ends: Saturday, Jul. 15 10:00 AM (Central)
Room: Salon C-3/4
This panel brings together diverse, Black leadership working in the field of immigration to call on the progressive movement to see immigration as a Black issue, a gender issue and a social justice issue. The progressive world reacted in horror to the images in Del Rio, Texas in September 2021 as U.S. agents on horseback threatened and menaced people from Haiti seeking refuge at the U.S. Southern border. This panel will connect that moment to the history of anti-Black racism within the US immigration systems, highlight the contributions of Black immigrants and their families in the U.S., and demonstrate how seeing justice in immigration alongside other progressive-justice priorities will strengthen the progressive movement.
Moderator
Panelists
Patrice Lawrence
Patrice Lawrence (she/her) is the Executive Director of the UndocuBlack Network (UBN) and a member of the community it serves – currently and formerly undocumented Black immigrants who are transforming their realities and making their demands known on a local, state, and national level. Patrice is a fierce advocate for the liberation of all peoples and towards that vision has been a leader in building unity across racial and ethnic communities. Originally from Jamaica, Patrice has penned op-eds for CNN, Black Star News, and NewsOne.
Seydi Sarr
Dr. Honoris Causa of Philosophy in Humanities and Global Peace Ambassador Seydi Sarr is an Award-winning social justice advocate, and a curator of equitable practices through lived experiences. A Senegalese native, she is Helmswomxn at the African Bureau for Immigration & Social Affairs (ABISA) & co-founder of the Black Immigrant Bail Fund (BIBF). Dr. Seydi Sarr is a Michigan State commissioner in her current term with the Black Leadership Advisory Council (BLAC). Her passion for social equity drives her commitment to advocacy at the intersections of racial, immigration, socio-economy, religious, and gender issues. Dr. Seydi curates the vision of a multicultural, multifaceted society built on acknowledgment, understanding, courage, transformation, and service. She teaches weekly West African dance classes and performs annually with the Maimouna Keita School of African Dance.
Dr. Seydi is a court interpreter, an alumna of Detroit Equity Action Lab, Michigan Political Leadership Program, and New American Leaders.