“It is important to ensure that the Black immigrant community is aware of the proposed legislation,” states Assemblymember Bass. “This forum gave us an opportunity to inform and encourage participation in the movement that will ensure a fair and comprehensive approach to immigrant rights.”

The event began with a panel discussion, which included Assemblymember Mervyn Dymally, Legislative Black Caucus Chair; Maria Elena Durazo, executive director of LA County Federation; Alvaro Huerta, legislative advocacy for Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA); Mike Garcia, president of SEIU 1877; Mulu Alemayehu, immigration attorney; and Michael Ortiz, Legal Aid Foundation directing attorney. Consulate Generals from Belize, South Africa and Kenya also attended the event.

Attendees asked the panel questions about the legislation as well as the relationship between the Latino and Black immigrant communities. Panelists expressed the importance of the communities working together in order to ensure the efforts are clear, consistent and effective.

There was also a resource fair with immigration rights, legal, housing, health, youth, senior citizen and public services informational booths. Co-sponsors for the event are the Ethiopian American Advocacy Group, CHIRLA and Central American Resource Center.