Undocumented Tennesseans Come Out of the Shadows, Welcome ‘No Papers, No Fear’ Caravan
August 14, 2012
Undocumented immigrants participating in the ‘No Papers, No Fear’ ride will join undocumented Tennesseans in a ‘coming out of the shadows’ event where immigrants will speak publicly about their immigration status and life in the United States, challenge anti-immigrant legislation. The caravan will also welcome six new local riders.
Memphis, TN – The No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice is a national delegation of undocumented people and allies that left Phoenix, Arizona on the anniversary of the state's implementation of SB1070, July 29th, and is travelling across the country to rally the migrant community to overcome fear and organize to challenge anti-immigrant policies. Six undocumented immigrants from Tennessee, including four from Memphis, will be joining the caravan on it’s way to the Democratic National Convention.
On Tuesday August 14 the No Papers No Fear riders, in coalition with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) will host an event entitled ‘Memphis Unafraid,’ during which undocumented immigrants from Tennessee, Arizona, Illinois, Georgia, and California will ‘come out of the shadows’ to tell their stories publicly. Community members, including workers, mothers and fathers, students, and artists will join the celebration incorporating theater, dance, music and poetry focused on highlighting the injustices caused by a broken immigration system.
Inspired by actions of undocumented students, such as coming out of the shadows events and civil disobedience actions, that have demonstrated the power and results of communities acting and speaking for themselves, the riders are undocumented people from all over the country and their allies, including mothers, fathers, day laborers, people in deportation proceedings, students, and many others who continue to face threats of deportation, harassment, and death while simply looking for a better life in the only nation many of them know and call home.
What: Memphis Unafraid, Coming Out of the Shadows & Cultural Event
Where: El Mercadito de Memphis, 3766 Ridgeway Rd., Memphis, TN. 38115.
When: Tuesday August 14, 2012; 5:00-9:00 PM
Who: No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRCC), Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Worker’s Interfaith Network, Communities United Under One Voice, Unitarian Universalists, undocumented immigrants, community members, artist.
More information on the No Papers No Fear Ride for Justice is available at www.nopapersnofear.org, and follow @undocubus on twitter for updates.