People of Faith Pray and Protest at Detention Camp
In a June meeting of the Florida Network (an online “Commons” group), we discussed the protests of the immigration detention center in Big Cypress and our concerns. Holley Rauen, a Florida Network member, shared that Betty Osceola, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and Panther Clan, had asked that support focus on the environment. I later passed along that I and other Friends were interested in accompanying the Miccosukee as they might find appropriate.
The call that came from Betty Osceola was for a prayer gathering to be held virtually and in person at the gates of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport on July 19th. (note: I do not use the name of the immigrant detention center that some elected officials and the media have adopted.) On that date, we gathered virtually and in person under tents and nearby for what Holley Rauen described as “…a profound tapestry of united prayer.”
Here are some ways to stay engaged with the protests at the detention camp:
- Visit Betty Osceola’s Facebook page. She live streams many nights from outside the gates of the detention center.
- Tune in to Grandmothers and Grandfathers Speak from the Heart of the Mother, a yearlong global series hosted by Grandmothers Voice. You can go to the Grandmothersvoice YouTube channel and subscribe and you will be notified when it is live; or follow the Grandmothersvoice Facebook page — you will be notified when an event goes live. For both platforms you will be able to copy and post the link as it is streaming.
- The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida filed to intervene as a plaintiff opposing the detention facility in the case of Friends of the Everglades vs. Kristi Noem.
- On August 23rd, from 5 to 7pm, A Call for Justice, Dignity & Action, a powerful panel discussion, will be hosted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami, 7701 SW 76th Ave, Miami, FL. Register here.
- Call, write, or talk with elected officials and news outlets.
- Continue to hold this concern as you are led.
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