the home of the brave

Hi friend,

Earlier this month, I went to a benefit concert for Sonoma Secure Families, a local organization working on the ground to help immigrant families.

A long-time Bay Area activist, Francisco Herrera, reminded us that what we’re dealing with now is part of a loooong walk for justice—one we’ve been on for centuries.

He sang a song he wrote called Our Children Are Sacred—and the words were so powerful:

If this is really the home of the brave,
may our gates now be open
We welcome and embrace the families
and give them love
We declare sanctuary
building bridges not walls
We must protect our children
show them that love is really real
They’ve got to know, got to know, got to know, that love
that love is real in this world

As much as I’m not into American propaganda, I do believe this country is the home of the brave. Every day I see so many brave people standing up for what’s right. For every act of evil, there’s been a bigger force of good—of people who prove that love is real in this world.

Here are a few ways to spread the love right now:

Take the Solidarity Pledge.

Sign this pledge too.

Send a letter to your Senators and Representatives urging them to uphold the rule of law and demand Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s return. (it’s online, takes 1 minute).

Sign up to attend a May Day Strong protest near you on May 1 - May 3. If you’re in Sonoma County / the Bay Area, I’ll be at this one.

Take action to protect our libraries and museums.

Be kind, be kind, be kind. Everyone is exhausted and dealing with this in their own ways. Do what you can, then rest and make room for joy.

xx Caitlin