Immigrants Contribute: America, We Sing Back!

12/20/2013

On September 28, 2013, I had the pleasure of discussing my upcoming book which highlights the immigrant experience at the Immigrants Contribute: America, We Sing Back! Program organized by the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights and Split This Rock.

Hosted by author and performance poet Pages D. Matam, the program was the first of its kind and a success. It was an afternoon celebrating community and poetry where many poets shared the challenges and celebrated stories of the immigrant experience in DC. A resource fair was held during the event so attendees could learn more about services available to immigrants. The event closed with a reading by award-winning poet Eduardo C. Corral.

Photography by Brandon Tatum 2013

Eduardo C. Corral and Yvonne Brown

Drew Law, Yvonne Brown, George Yamazawa Jr.

Host Pages D. Matam

Yvonne Brown and Gowri K.

Yvonne Brown and Pages D. Matam

Amina Iro and Yvonne Brown

Yvonne Brown and Kosi Dunn

Henry Mills and Yvonne Brown

31 Comments

Deborah link

12/20/2013 02:18:20 am

I'm sure there were some great stories about being an immigrant.

Yvonne Brown

12/20/2013 10:35:10 am

Thanks for your comment Deborah! Yes, there was a lot of talent!

Veronica link

12/20/2013 03:22:12 am

This is great for immigrants. I came here as an immigrant too over 18 years ago. Wish there was a way to connect like this back then

12/20/2013 10:36:01 am

Thanks for your comment Veronica. Good point--these events did not exist 18 years ago making it very difficult for many people.

Tom Holmberg link

12/20/2013 03:29:51 am

I really enjoyed seeing the different faces you posted, America's strength comes from our diversity. Our nation's food tapestry is formed by waves of these immigrants as well

12/20/2013 10:36:49 am

Thanks for your post Tom! Very well said! I like the point you make about diversity being our strength!

Casey Gardner

12/20/2013 04:25:05 am

What a great article about the reminder of immigrants.

12/20/2013 10:37:59 am

Thanks for your post Casey! Do you have a large or small immigrant population in your area?

Stephanie Clopton

12/20/2013 04:25:53 am

Thank you for sharing this story and amazing pictures too! How exciting for you.

12/20/2013 10:38:47 am

Thanks for your comment Stephanie! I am glad you like the pictures! My photographer is awesome and I appreciate his work very much!

kungphoo link

12/20/2013 06:06:03 am

My family is made up of immigrants, and i know they have contributed!

12/20/2013 10:39:11 am

Thanks Rob! That is awesome!!

David W. Murphy link

12/20/2013 07:34:22 am

I don't know what has happened to this once great and welcoming country. This country was founded by immigrants. For us to turn our backs on those who are here now and those who want to come here legally is a real shame!

12/20/2013 10:39:49 am

Thank you for your comment David! I appreciate your passion!

Savannah-Lin Rosa

12/20/2013 10:05:01 am

That is awesome.. good to connect with others that have been through the same thing..

12/20/2013 10:40:21 am

Thank you for your post Savannah-Lin!

Daniele Holmberg link

12/20/2013 10:45:51 am

Grwat article about immigrants! I love these pictures!!:-)

12/20/2013 10:31:28 pm

Thanks Daniele! My photographer is awesome!

Bradley Finnearty link

12/20/2013 08:51:37 pm

That had to be a very interesting time. I love to talk to people from other places and learn about their cultures.

12/21/2013 12:52:34 am

Thanks for your comment Bradley! I love to do that as well!

Irene

12/20/2013 09:47:51 pm

Great way for these artisans to connect and share experiences. I imagine it was a powerful time together.

12/21/2013 12:54:06 am

Thanks for your comment Irene! "Powerful" is a fitting word!

Dov Shapira

12/20/2013 11:00:57 pm

I was an immigrant myself many years ago,
Wanna hear my story?

12/21/2013 12:54:46 am

Thanks for your comment Dov! I bet you have an incredible story and yes, I would love to hear it!

Jennifer Clay link

12/21/2013 12:49:57 am

Looks like you had a great event and got to meet some wonderful people.

12/21/2013 12:55:26 am

Thanks for your comment Jennifer! Yes, it was a great event and the people I met are awesome!

jo casey

12/21/2013 12:50:23 am

What a fantastic project - and it's a lovely antidote to some of the ignorant, inflammatory anti-immigration rhetoric that's thrown around by some of our politicians. I'm proud to live in a diverse nation and without immigrants we'd all be poorer - both financially and culturally.

12/21/2013 12:56:12 am

Thank you for your comment and support Jo Casey! I feel your passion!

jessica link

12/21/2013 02:27:36 am

fantastic reporting i love the interesting story here!

12/21/2013 02:45:04 am

Thanks Jessica! I appreciate your support!

12/21/2013 05:58:29 am

My first comment didn't stick, so I am posting this again. I loved seeing all the faces in this post. America is made of people from different cultures and this diversity is the strength of our country.

Immigrants Contribute: America, We Sing Back!

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