On June 12th, with little more than 24 hours notice, nearly 300 people joined a candlelight vigil in Memorial Park in Chestertown, Maryland to protest the concentration camps confining children separated from their families at the border.
Soul Force Politics sponsored this Lights for Liberty event in solidarity with more than 800 similar actions in cities all across our country and in alliance with international support as well.
Speeches from community activists, youth from Students Talking About Race (STAR), and faith leaders were woven between songs and performances by local Latinx musicians to make for a memorable evening. Throughout all of program was an imagining of how our world would be different if politics were rooted in radical love.
The night ended with an acknowledgement that blowing out the candles would not dim the light — that we would shine on through our hearts and our collective commitment to imagine and work for a better tomorrow, an end to the camps, and to return this country to standing for true liberty, and justice for ALL.
In the spirit of love all around us, we took up the call to hug our neighbors and strangers gathered — to strengthen and renew us for the mission and work ahead.
Local artist, Fredy Granillo (originally from El Salvador), performs music at the vigil. The video captures a sense of the impressive size of the crowd gathered for this event.
Continue scrolling down for a call to action on what next steps you can take.
Our work does not stop with a vigil. This was the beginning. To call attention and set intentions. Here are some suggested action items you can undertake to continue these efforts.
Donate to RAICES — the Refugee and Immigration Center for Education and Legal Services. This well-respected non-profit organization is on the front lines assisting immigrant families in crisis on the border in Texas.
Be prepared to help immigrant neighbors and friends impacted by the planned ICE deportation raids set to begin this Sunday, June 14th. Materials to assist with this can be found on our website here.
Use social media to spread the word about your involvement in this #LightsForLiberty event and your commitment to #ClosetheCamps #Endusconcentrationcamps and #dontlookaway #NeverAgainIsNow
Contact your Members of Congress to express your opposition to these policies that are separating families and detaining immigrants in cramped, inhumane conditions at concentration camps. Ask them to be specific about what they are doing to close the camps and end this humanitarian crisis. (Office contact information for each found below)
Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD) represents the 1st Congressional District covering Maryland’s Eastern Shore
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) Eastern Shore Regional Office
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) Eastern Shore Regional Office
