FORUM TO DISCUSS COMMUNITY’S STANCE ON SB1070: SHOULD WE BOYCOTT ARIZONA?

Northampton community organizers will hold a public forum on July 29th at 6pm at First Churches entitled “SHOULD WE BOYCOTT ARIZONA? Next steps for our community”. In conjunction with American Friends Service Committee, Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Northampton Human Rights Commission and the Immigration and Workers Rights Coalition, the organizers hope that this forum will provide a space to both inform the community of the issues involved with the Arizona law SB1070 as well as encourage diverse voices from the community to discuss the issues and the impact they may have for the Northampton community.

Read this week’s Valley Advocate article here

In May, hundreds of thousands protested in Arizona against the SB 1070 legislation that legalized racial profiling, essentially criminalizing Latinos in that state. This has become one of the main battle grounds over the fight for immigrant rights and various cities across the country have already passed resolutions to boycott Arizona based on this new policy.

On Thursday July 29th this bill, that will have devastating effects on immigrants and Latino citizens alike, is set to go into effect. Thousands are expected to march in Arizona on this day and organizers believe this is a powerful time to hold a forum in Northampton to engage with the community. The fate of this controversial law in the southwest will have rippled effects throughout the United States.

“If we don’t smash SB 1070 it will be used — as it already is being used — to introduce equally racist initiatives across the country”, says Natalia Tylim, a member of the organizing group. “Only a strong movement can force an overthrow of SB 1070…we’re still at the beginnings, but let’s start by successfully getting Northampton to boycott Arizona! This is part of a national solidarity movement that was called for by the people of the state in question. When we do so, it will open the doors to continue organizing for real immigration reform.”

The public forum, which will take place on July 29th from 6-7pm at Lyman Hall in First Churches of Northampton (129 Main St.), will include three speakers and an open format to encourage participation from the community.