‘Nonviolence in Action’ Peaceful Opposition to Anti-Immigration Efforts

The King Center's inaugural “Nonviolence in Action” event focused on the the hot topic of immigration reform.The event facilitated a dialogue with several organizations, including American Friends Service Committee, using nonviolence to further the cause of fair and equitable treatment of immigrants in Georgia.

Civil Rights veteran and former AFSC staff Constance Curry moderated a panel discussion with several courageous undocumented youth who had recently risked deportation in their efforts to demand fair and just pathways to citizenship. AFSC's own Josie Figueroa was also on the panel discussing our migrant youth voice project.

The theme of the evening seemed to be the obvious connections between the civil rights movement of the 60's, and the present day fight for immigrant rights. Constance Curry seemed to reiterate that point throughout the evening and spoke of intense feelings of nostalgia when she experienced young undocumented Georgians in the street chanting proudly, "undocumented, Unafraid". The fearlessness of their recent actions parallel the fearlessness of young freedom riders of the sixties.

AFSC was proud to play a role in planning the event and we look forward to future collaborations with the King Center.

Big ups to Dejah Ault for staffing the AFSC table so well!!

Tim Franzen
American Friends Service Committee

A Non-Violent Tune, In Three Languages

As part of our Be The Change Curriculum, Several Horizons School students decided to write this little jingle in response to not only the multiple wars/occupations our country is currently waging, but the trickle down effect these systems of violence and oppression have on our communities. When governments model violence as a means to solve conflict, extract natural resources, and force their will upon others, what's the cost to our communities?

I think it's really cool that the group that put the song together decided to do it in three different languages. Here's a few words from the writers of the song:

Zack: Violence seems to be on important issue not only in our country,but all around the world.

This cheery little tune sends a message of non-violence to all who hear it.

Sami: از جنگ چیزی حاصل نمی شود. جنگ را رها کن و بسوی صلح قدمبزن.

War is not the thing. Let go of the war and forward for peace.

Ahmed: हम दोस्त हो सकता है क्योंकि दोस्ती है दुनिया बनाता चाहिए.
We should be friends because friendship is what makes the world.