A Note on Solidarity

As we reach the end of February, honoring Black History Month, we are reminded that the fight for justice has never been won alone. Right now, we are living through a deliberate campaign of division. Across headlines, political speeches, and public debate, communities are being told to see each other as threats instead of neighbors. 
 
Public narratives can unite or divide us. While some try to separate Black history from immigrant history, these stories are deeply interconnected. Both communities have been shaped by colonialism, labor exploitation, exclusion, and injustice, and both have demonstrated remarkable resistance, resilience, and leadership. Together, they have helped build this country through sacrifice, culture, and courage.
 
As an immigrant-serving organization, we see every day how division is manufactured and how powerful solidarity can be. Families, no matter where they were born, share the same desire for safety, stability, and opportunity for their children. People, young and old, form friendships across race, language, and so many other differences with ease. Community leaders and advocates choose partnership over competition, recognizing that our futures are so inextricably intertwined.
 
Fear and division are strategies meant to isolate us and dilute our power. Solidarity is how we counter it. If we are serious about protecting our communities and reshaping the policies that affect our lives, alliance building must be more than symbolic; it must be central to all of our work.

Best,
Berta Colón, Executive Director