Overcrowded Boats
Written by Melissa Dalton-Bradford
I hesitate to post this picture.
It is sacred.
It is terrifying.
It is true.
And it is not mine.
This is on the Aegean, crossing from Turkey to Greece. In the middle of this boat is a family, and they are my friends.
Their stories are featured in our book, Let Me Tell You My Story.
If you’ve ever wondered why those overloaded inflatable rafts coming to the shores of Greece seemed to be filled only with men (as I believe some US news outlets claimed), let me explain:
The men surrounded the outer rim of the vessels because they let women and children embarks first. The women and children weighted the center of the vessels, steadying them as men helped them shove off from land.
And most importantly, the men sat on the edges to protect the women and children from potential gunfire from both Turkish and Greek forces who were supposed to be curbing these smuggling routes, remember?
Finally, when smugglers, out of fear of coast guards, fled from navigating these vessels and jumped ship (we’ve heard several of those accounts), it was the men (who could drive) who took over.
Official Statement on the Detention of Refugees and Ongoing Community Violence
With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.
On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.
Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.
We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.