A Reflection on “March for Our Dreams & Freedom” – Beacons of Hope and Solidarity
As we gear up for the next major action (at Lake Eola on March 8th), let’s take a look at what we achieved at our January 11th rally.
Celebrating Community Strength on January 11th
Hope CommUnity Center’s rally and march on January 11th in Apopka was a resounding success, bringing together over 300 people in a vibrant community display. The event, extensively covered by news outlets like WESH 2 News and Telemundo 31, highlighted the community’s determination to address critical issues affecting immigrants, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. The coverage and the Critical Mentions report vividly illustrate how our collective voice shapes the narrative on inclusion and equality.
Our choice of January 11th, coinciding with the start of the state legislative session, was deliberate and a symbol of our fight against unjust policies. Our team of 50 volunteers was crucial in maintaining peace and distributing vital resources like KYR cards in multiple languages. This event marks the beginning of a series of actions by Hope CommUnity Center as we continue to champion the social causes of our communities.
The Power of Youth and Leadership
Among the inspiring moments of the day was the remarkable participation of young leaders from our community. Edith and Sal, once members of our Sin Fronteras High School Youth Group and now leaders of Hope’s Youth and Family team, stood out as they shared their empowering journeys. Their transformation from participants to leaders embodies the impact of our initiatives and the youth’s potential to drive positive change.
Mayra Meza and the Promotoras Group
We would like to recognize Mayra Meza, from our Promotoras group, who was interviewed during the January march and gave a powerful and inspiring speech concerning Florida’s new child labor bill.
Our Las Promotoras group comprises empowered women, community leaders, and college graduates who are part of Hope Community Center’s ecosystem. Their ideas embody the spirit of leadership and dedication we cherish and strive to amplify through our actions.
Future Initiatives: March 8 – A March for Women’s Rights
On International Women’s Day, we will gather at Lake Eola in Orlando to honor the impact of women in our movements. The march at the legislative session’s conclusion will celebrate the resilience and influence of immigrant women, women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and working women. With an anticipated 300+ attendees, we are poised to make an even greater impact, echoing the success of our advocacy efforts as we did with SB 1718.
Join Us on Our Journey to Equality and Freedom
As we gear up for our second event on March 8th, we invite you to join us in this transformative movement. Be part of the change, share your stories, and help us create communities of Hope that empower and inspire. Together, we can continue to make a difference, advocating for justice and freedom for all.
