2024 Actions and Activities

This platica presents diverse migration experiences centering on those left out, excluded, or made to feel invisible.

In present times, the migration narrative is dominated by the idea of people fleeing their countries due to poverty and violence and coming to the U.S. in search of protection and a better life. While this idea encompasses a reality, migration is a more complex phenomenon. We tend to ignore the economic factors that have attracted workers to perform jobs essential to the U.S. economy. It is not only that migrants need to migrate, but it is also true that there are sectors of the capitalist economy that rely on the low-wage labor of migrants. Another critical aspect hidden in the migration narrative is the global and internal displacement of people due to wars and racist and imperialist policies.

The ArteVism 2024 cohort will share their stories of migration and displacement and how these experiences have shaped their identities as American citizens. They will highlight the impact of the secret war and the displacement of Native Americans, the effects of the African American experience, and the shaping of our country through the lens of the Great Migration. The Great Migration exposed elements of racial divisions and disparities, including housing discrimination. These components will allow for a discussion on how migration from one form of racial disparity can lead to other forms.

We will begin this community visit at the Sunday morning service at Philadelphia Outreach Ministries in Lemoore, where Josh Slack is the choir and music director and the pastor’s son. After the service, we will visit the old church building and hear from Pastor Kenneth L. Slack about the history and importance of the black church, its role as a form of resistance to oppression, its unique history with race in the Central Valley, and how the arts are used in worship, celebration, and expression. Josh’s mom will be serving us lunch at their home. We will conclude with a community tour of Lemoore.

Please join AFSC staff from Oregon and from the Central Valley in California to learn about issues faced by immigrant workers in various sectors. We will offer an analysis of the current conditions and some ideas and opportunities for advocacy to ensure that all workers are able to access labor protections. This webinar will be bilingual in English and Spanish.

Únase al personal de AFSC de Oregón y del Valle Central en California para aprender sobre los problemas que enfrentan los trabajadores inmigrantes en varios sectores. Ofreceremos un análisis de las condiciones actuales y algunas ideas y oportunidades de incidencia para garantizar que todos los trabajadores puedan acceder a las protecciones laborales. Este seminario web será bilingüe en inglés y español.

This platica will connect Merced and Madera grassroots organizers and will provide an opportunity to convene more people to join us in conversations about organizing efforts. We will continue a conversation first started at an ArteVism residential gathering in late January, when community organizers and leaders shared what motivated them to get into politics and the impact of engaging in local, state, and national politics. This will be a space for socializing and sharing knowledge for people interested in local grassroots community organizing.

Ale, Loretta (Merced), cultural organizer Rosa Hernandez, and Madera City Councilwoman Elsa Mejia will share stories and lived experiences and respond to questions from PVI and community members. Small groups will dialogue and learn about grassroots models and efforts. This platica will inspire the community and call for action.

We will have an intimate and meaningful conversation with Dr. Lea Ybarra about her involvement with the Central Valley’s farmworkers and Chicano movement, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about these movements and their significant impacts both regionally and globally. Dr. Ybarra will share personal stories highlighting farm-working women’s needs, struggles, and contributions.

There will be an engaging dialogue and Q&A session. The goal is for attendees to leave with a better understanding of the context and legacy of farm-working and immigrant women in these movements and how they have transformed the conditions and lives of our communities.