Ady Barkan showed us the best of humanity

Ady Barkan showed us the best of humanityI wasn’t scared when I saw AdyA few years ago, I went to Washington DC to march for Dreamers. Along the way I made the decision to commit civil disobedience. I had privilege, and it was time for me to join others in sitting peacefully in the street in front of the US capitol to stop traffic. I remember going to the holding area for our booking (there were over 100 of us that were arrested that day) and I was scared, but I knew I had the support of my family. I had never in my life done anything like this and I was nervous. However, having seen the harm that was happening everyday at ICE Miramar with families being ripped apart; families who had lived and worked in my community for 10, 20, 30 years, I knew action to stop the harm was needed. I met people in my community who lived in the US almost 40 years and they were still being deported back to countries they no longer knew. I also saw young Dreamers under the Trump administration being penalized for choices their parents made and also deported back to countries they never knew. Lastly, I saw over 3000 children taken away from their families and being held at Homestead. Family separation pushed me out of my comfort zone.Nonetheless, my first arrest that day in DC was scary.I overcame my fear when I saw, seated in front of me was Ady Barkan. He was my hero. He was there fighting the good fight. Despite health challenges and being in a wheelchair, Ady showed bravery like no other. Ady showed us the best of humanity- what it means to be selfless, caring, and showing up, all exemplified through his many actions.I, like others, was deeply saddened to hear that Ady passed away yesterday. Let us honor Ady’s memory with our words and actions.If you love the work we do and want to support, please consider pledging a future subscription. It’s only $5 a month and you won’t be charged unless we enable payments.Data disclosure: People Power United does not share information. You are always able to opt-out of any action alerts or event reminders we send. We champion progressive values and are a grassroots group committed to increasing voter registration and participation. We are paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests.Everyone deserves to vote and thrive,Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)People Power United | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramI believe in the power of the people. I have seen the love and determination of folks stepping up to write letters and postcards to voters, signing petitions and letter campaigns, making calls, sending texts, hitting doors, and dropping literature. There is no power like that of the people, and People Power United stands ready to protect our communities against any and all injustices. - Laurie Woodward Garcia, People Power United This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit newsletter.peoplepowerunited.org/subscribe