“We are not ostriches. We cannot believe that if we do not look there will not be what we do not wish to see.” – Leo Tolstoy
Hey bb’s!
Although I’m generally a lover of colorful fabrics, accessories, & toothy smiles, those who are close to me, know there is much more to my identity. I blog because this platform provides a way to express my creativity and my passions. Often, that means I share my personal style, but today I want to discuss a much more important topic. I am a black female. Though proud of both, the union of these marginalized identities often means I am on the receiving end of prejudice & discrimination. I became an educator because I wanted ro encourage students of my and other marginalized communities beyond their perceived limitations. Any plight that calls into question the just treatment of any one of these communities, is one with potential to keep me awake at night.
Such was this morning, when I woke up at 3:45 am. I decided to get up to use the restroom and returned to bed, only to find myself reading articles on updates about Trump & his family separation policy. If anyone ever questions how Americans upheld slavery, marched Native Americans children into boarding schools, detained Japanese Americans in internment camps; look around. The history in our crusty high school books is coming to life, right now, but this time we are part of it.
Though there are times in which I have disengaged in order to avoid media overload, forcibly separating thousands of children from their families is a crisis that should not go ignored. This policy is upheld by the most foremost authority in our country and cruelly targets those who lack the tools & skills with which to defend themselves. We must remain informed, in order to understand our role in resolving this conflict, and ultimately challenging the historical narrative of our country.
Below, I answered frequently asked questions about the policy: it’s origin, implementation, and implications for the future. Click on any link to read more.
Past
Q:I just heard about this the other day. Where did this policy come from?
A: These articles delve into the validity of Trump’s claims, including those blaming the policy on Democrats. These articles also discuss how former presidents, Obama & Bush, implemented immigration policy & handled similar situations.
1. The Remarkable History of the Family Separation Crisis
2. Trump Didn’t Invent Family Separation, But His Administration Was Willing to Try It
3. Was the ‘Law to Separate Families’ Passed in 1997 or ‘by Democrats’?
Present
Q:Â What exactly is going on?
A: To get caught up, read the articles below.Â
4. The Past 72 Hours in Outrage Over Trump’s Immigrant Family Separation Policy, Explained
5. What We Know: Family Separation And ‘Zero Tolerance’ At The Border
Q: This is terrible. What are others’ reactions to this?
A: Trump’s enforcement of family separations is not simply a political debate, but a humanitarian crisis. His actions have been condemned by government officials around the globe. Doctors, psychologists, social workers, human rights activists, the U.N. Secretary General, and others have all vocally criticized Trump’s decision to remove children from the custody of their parents.
Q: Who supports this? Is this policy only backed by Republicans & Trump’s voter base?
A: Though not every Congressional Republican supported the policy, they couldn’t agree how to put an end it. Read about who else may have a vested interest below.
6. Big Money As Private Immigrant Jails Boom
Q: Are any state government challenging this federal order?
A: Not exactly. But a few have pulled there National Guard troops from the border.Â
Future
Q: Didn’t Trump just issue an executive order to stop family separations? Isn’t it over?
A: The link below includes live updates about the crisis, including information about the executive order, and what it means for the thousands of immigrants families effected and for the future. For example, US officials have reported, “there will be no ‘special efforts’ to reunite children already torn from their families.” Click below to read more about why opponents of the policies aren’t raising a resounding cry of victory.
7. Trump Ends His Policy of Family Separations w Executive Order – Live Updates
Q: What can I do to help?
A: The articles below includes a number of ways you can help from calling your senators to signing a petition to joining a protest to donating to non-profits who provide free or low cost legal services for affected families.Â
8. Here’s A List of Organizations Mobilizing to Help Immigrant Children Separated From Their Families
9. What You Can Do Right Now to Help Immigrant Families Separated at the Border
10. How to Help Families Separated at the Border
Thank you so much for reading, and I hope y’all found this helpful.
Remember: We are not ostriches.
