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Hi everyone-
Earlier this month, we learned that Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy doesn’t take immigration issues seriously, after he cracked a joke about deporting kitchen workers during a Bay Shore roast. Levy’s spokesman dismissed the fury over the county executive’s comments, saying that advocates were being too politically correct, but last Saturday, we saw that words have consequences: a group of young white men allegedly attacked and robbed a Hispanic man in Patchogue while shouting racial slurs. When government leaders like Levy permit anti-immigrant discourse (and use it themselves), it creates a toxic environment where hate crime is likely to flourish.
That’s part of the reason that we launched our “Speak Out/Stop Hate” video contest (SpeakOutStopHate.com). If the county executive won’t do his part to quell hatred, than we’d like to give you an opportunity. We want to give every person with a video camera, a concept, and a desire to “Speak Out/Stop Hate” against immigrants the chance to have their voice heard. The contest runs from now until October 2, 2009, and the winning video will be featured at the Long Island Latino International Film Festival. For more info on the contest, including rules, click here.
In addition to our video contest, Long Island Wins also launched a new series on comprehensive immigration reform this month. In the series, we explain the basics of immigration reform, and how policy changes will impact Long Island. We’ve already posted Part One of the series, in which guest blogger and immigration lawyer Omar Chaudhry writes about the ways in which an earned path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants would positively affect Long Islanders. Stay tuned for more posts in the days and weeks ahead.
What’s in this email?
1. Save the Date
2. Top Stories
3. Upcoming Events
4. Stay in Touch with Long Island Wins
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1. *Save the Date*
How to Teach and Preach About Immigration for a More Welcoming Long Island:
Long Island Wins and the Long Island Council of Churches invite Long Island religious leaders, clergy members, and active lay leaders to be our guests for a luncheon to discuss immigration on Long Island. Your leadership and collective efforts are essential in improving our communities.
Long Island Wins and the Long Island Council of Churches invite Long Island religious leaders, clergy members, and active lay leaders to be our guests for a luncheon to discuss immigration on Long Island. Your leadership and collective efforts are essential in improving our communities.
Please join us on one of these dates at the location most convenient to you:
October 7, Wednesday: St. Hugh of Lincoln Roman Catholic Church; Huntington Station, NY
October 22, Thursday: Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation; Old Westbury, NY
October 27, Tuesday: First Baptist Church; Riverhead, NY
All luncheons will be from noon-2pm. To attend a luncheon is free of cost, but seating will be limited. Please RSVP with which luncheon you will be attending, your name, position, and information about your house of worship. To RSVP, or for more information, contact keinhorn@longislandwins.com.
2. *Top Stories*
Steve Levy’s Newest Racist Remarks (Aug 2): Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy’s joke about deporting kitchen workers fell flat.
Advocates Respond to Levy’s Deportation Joke (Aug 5): Led by the Long Island Immigrant Alliance and The Workplace Project, advocates voiced their displeasure with the county executive at a press conference in front of his office (photos).
Revamping the Employment-Based Immigration System (Aug 6): Do we really need temporary worker programs?
Feds Raid LI Bars, Find Sex Trafficking Ring (Aug 10): Dozens of people were implicated in an alleged sex trafficking ring in which women were reportedly brought from Central America and forced into prostitution.
Photos: Salvadoran-American Day in Hempstead (Aug 10): Pics from the August 9 event, where a variety of bands played everything from hip hop to traditional El Salvadoran music.
We Do Not Advocate Giving Away Parts of the Country (Aug 12): Ted Hesson responds to an anti-immigrant website’s accusation that immigrant advocates are “terrorists.”
What Does It Feel Like To Be Called a Terrorist (Aug 12): In response to Ted Hesson’s piece, blogger Patrick Young, Esq. talks about the seriousness of such unfounded claims.
3. *Upcoming Events*
Tuesday, August 25, 2009.
5:30 PM – Presentation 6:30 – Public Portion Begins
Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center
28 Wyandanch Ave, Wyandanch, NY 11798
Wyandanch Senior Nutrition Center
28 Wyandanch Ave, Wyandanch, NY 11798
For further information call: Legislator DuWayne Gregory’s Office at (631) 854-1111
This special Task Force on Hate Crimes in Suffolk County was created to examine the sources of tensions between different communities in the County that result in hate crimes, to study and analyze the mechanismsused to report hate crimes in the County, and provide recommendations on current hate crime legislation.*Immigration status is irrelevant and will not be questioned! *Spanish speaking translator will be available*Anyone not comfortable giving public testimony may submit a written statement.
Annual Latino Youth Summit 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
11am-4pm
Sponsored by the Long Island Immigrant Alliance, the Annual Latino Youth Summit (ALYS) gives young people the chance to learn about issues facing Latinos, discover opportunities in their communities, and enjoy art, music, and dance exhibitions. The event is co-sponsored by the Islip Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Events, and will take place in Timberline Park (400 Broadway, Brentwood, NY). For information, call 631-789-0720, 631-786-5112, or 516-902-3585.
4. *Stay in Touch with Long Island Wins*
Please contact info@longislandwins.com to submit immigration-related news stories, events, requests for speakers, and your suggestions on how to engage Long Islanders on these important issues. If you are interested in internships or volunteer opportunities, contact keinhorn@longislandwins.com for more information. To join our Facebook page, click here.
Filed under: immigration, local, long island, Long Island Politics, New York State Politics, News, video Tagged: | contest
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