Charlotte, NC action - May 1

Click here for the May 1 press release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2009

Contact: Stacey Bonilla
704-737-7124/704-545-1919
Cstacee@bellsouth.net

---Espanol abajo - Spanish below---

Since 2006, May 1st has become nationally and internationally known as a day for immigrant rights and immigration reform. Nationally, May 1st activities are being planned. Businesses, organizations and individuals in the Charlotte area once again feel the need to get involved. This year we are taking a different approach to promoting immigration reform and support immigrant rights. As a sign of solidarity and unity with local and national groups nationwide, we are preparing 2 activities for May 1, 2009 and May 2, 2009.

On Friday, May 1st, we are asking the public to wear white shirts, as a sign of solidarity with the other events happening around the country. We are also asking individuals to contact their local, state and federal representatives by fax, phone or email. Locally, we are asking our leaders to cut funding to and shutdown the 287g program. On the state level, we are asking our leaders to reinstate the ability for all residents of North Carolina to be able to obtain/renew their license and enroll in community colleges without regard to immigration status. Federally, we want to thank those who support immigration reform and ask for continued or new support for immigration reform. There will be Call Centers open to help our community contact these
representatives.

As a sign of solidarity and unity within the various community organizations in our area, we are holding a Community Awareness Event on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Plaza Fiesta Carolinas from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

We will be asking the public to complete a confidential questionnaire on how the participating groups and organizations can better help our community. We will also provide information on the services they currently have available for the community.

Join us in our efforts:
1. Wear a white shirt
2. Contact your representatives or host a call center to contact representatives.
3. Join us as a volunteer or participating group at Plaza Fiesta Carolinas.


Participating organizations:

ACORN, AFSC, American Families United, Bonilla Community Services,
ISC – Charlotte, CCIR and other local groups