Immigration reform is fundamentally important not only to our families but to all New Yorkers, whose neighborhoods are filled with vibrant culture and diversity. We value your commitment to equality and your influence in your community and therefore request your participation at this important forum where we will discuss immigration policies, reform efforts, and impacting legislation in an effort to achieve equality for all.

 During this Forum we will also launch the “G Project” (The Generation Project), which identifies 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th generation black immigrants.

Space is limited, so please RSVP right away: (212) 871-6899 or cminier@theblackinstitute.org
Christian Cultural Center please RSVP to Keith White at keith@freeintegrated.com

The Black Institute http://www.theblackinstitute.org/

My sister Angel and I do not have a lot in common. But we have a bond strengthened by shared experiences and her three perfect daughters. Angel was the sole provider for her family until she was injured. That injury and subsequent unemployment put her family in a scary situation. Since then, she has used food stamps to fill in the gaps that temporary employment and family cannot fill. She has done more with less than anyone I have ever seen. And she isn’t alone. Republicans point to the hysterical caricatures of “lazy, surfer dude, moochers” as the typical food stamp recipient. But you’ve met a few of the 4,000 DFA members that shared their experiences of food stamps already — Sharon, Dan and Tesha. We know that this can happen to anyone. Busting the myth behind Republican stereotypes about food stamps is central to flipping the frame around the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (which administers food stamps) before Congress votes on potentially devastating cuts to SNAP. One way to do that is by sharing stories from our friends, family, neighbors and others over social media. We need to change the conversation about food stamps in America. That’s why several DFA members who have been on food stamps have courageously shared their experiences and photos with us. Please click here to read and share their stories with your friends on Facebook. So many of the stories shared with us expressed shame for using the program. There is no shame is receiving help and there is no honor in suffering. Millions of families face food insecurity everyday. Folks like David I., a son and brother from Palmyra, Tennessee, who shared his experience with us, along with more than 4,000 other DFA members who sent us their survival stories:

“My father passed away in 2005 and my older brother got laid off from a very good job he had held for 6 years. He had to take a minimum wage job when he had been making 60k. I also had a minimum wage job and was taking care of my disabled mother. We needed food stamps until my brother and I got better jobs several years later.”

People like David and their families are why this program matters. Let’s make sure they don’t get caught up in Republican hysterics. Click here to read the stories of these courageous food stamp recipients and share their stories on Facebook to help beat back the stereotypes used to justify cuts to the SNAP program. Even though their family is struggling now, thanks to a determined mother and SNAP, I know my nieces have bright futures ahead. As I watched my eldest niece practice her signature, I couldn’t help but think that she could one day be signing bills in the Oval Office. Whether she becomes President, an electrician or something else entirely, her future shouldn’t be jeopardized by Republican hysterics and ignorance. By changing the narrative, we’ll make sure it won’t. Thank you for all you do. — Monique
Monique Teal, Campaign Manager Democracy for America

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