Roslindale partners – ABCD Boston, Casserly House, MIRA Coalition, RISE – Roslindale is for Everyone, and Boston Public Library – joined together to offer to our immigrant neighbors two multi-lingual “Know Your Rights-KYR” Workshops on February 27 and March 3, offering important information, practices, and collective solace in a tumultuous time. One hundred and twenty (120) people attended – the vast majority were Haitian Creole and Spanish speaking immigrants. On February 27, Rebecca of Zama Legal and Mediation Services was phenomenal in her agility to move between three languages with an engaging spirit and amazing respect. In addition, RISE paid for Know Your Rights “red cards” for distribution, simultaneous translation that was very helpful for group questions and answers, and providing a significant presence to say, “We’ve got your backs.” RISE, activated in 2016 for several years then de-activated, is now re-launching, given the extreme need for immigrants. On February 27th, City Councilor Pepén offered remarks too!
On March 3, MIRA Coalition sent two facilitators, Viviana and Nahomie, to offer their workshops with translation for questions and answers as well. At this time, the gathering of so many immigrants is a testament to trust and hope. Both Casserly House and ABCD Boston-Roslindale offered Know Your Rights lessons and role play in our ESOL classes weeks before the workshops and continue to support our adult learners amidst fear now. For multi-lingual resources including wallet-sized red cards to exercise our constitutional rights, visit MIRA Coalition.
At Casserly House, we continue to welcome and connect immigrants amplifying the dignity and voice of immigrants even when the message is, ironically, “I have the right to remain silent.”
