The reasons why we migrate are many, but most often, Black and Indigenous communities migrate because there is a systemic force that, in one way or another, pushes us to move from the places where we were born in search of survival. Often, we are called invaders when in reality we have moved because our lands were invaded. Other times, we are called criminals when it is foreign industries that steal, extract from, and invade our territories, forcing us to live on the periphery, in a limbo where they can easily capitalize on our labor.

Fear often makes us believe the lies that seep into our subconscious, validating the executioner state that imposes and defines for us who we are.

We are not criminals, ignorant, evildoers looking for the opportunity to take what is not theirs.

Borders have been imposed; often, borders cross us. We are not illegals; we are people who create spaces, tireless workers who fight for the right to a dignified life.

At this time, when the new president of the United States is launching himself with savage fury to strengthen immigration policies and push unconstitutional measures toward the southern border, we want to affirm the value of the Black and Indigenous migrant communities in the United States. We especially want to tell our community in Seattle that MÁS has been and continues to be here to support the fight for dignity. In this city, there is a maroon space where we can cultivate together a sense of home. Never doubt that we have the right to be here, because our ancestors paved the way for us. With us, you can feel at home, practicing Capoeira, dancing to the rhythm of Bomba, enjoying the culinary flavors of many Latin American regions, tapping your feet to a Fandango, playing the cajón, or dancing salsa. Our roots transcend territorial and political borders. We have the right to exist and to be in the world, sustained by Pachamama and sheltered by Olofi.

Milvia Berenice Pacheco– Executive Director of MÁS, Afro-Venezuelan

Hi, I’m Anyel, a person with trans life experience.

Because of the struggle about my identity, I have been threatened and displaced from my own territory.

Discrimination ends up being a cause of migration for everyone.

I have managed to find a place of care and protection a space of women and black people who have welcomed me, it’s called MÁS conversaciones para MÁS orgullo.

Without a doubt, this experience has helped me to become stronger as a person.

I embrace in a diverse and sisterly way all my migrant siblings.

Anyel Durán- Member of MÁS conversaciones para MÁS orgullo- Afro-Colombian

Through empathy, love, the desire to sustain and build. I have met people that even if they are located in other latitudes and I have never seen them in person, I feel their embrace and company, I feel the transmission of their love and knowledge over time and even if I am in a territory where I feel relatively alone, knowing the existence of these people makes me feel supported.

Minox Minoty – Afro-Venezuelan- Graphic Designer- MÁS

My connection to the Afro-diasporic community through MAS has fostered in me a sense of belonging and connection. I have felt at home connecting over shared values and perspectives, as well as food and dance. I feel accepted and celebrated without having to change how I naturally want to present myself. Thus, MAS helps me connect with my authentic self and the cultural context I grew up in.

Rossana Colon- Thillet- Board Member – Afro-Puerto Rican

Deeper generational healing was made possible for myself and my lineage once I embraced what it means to be part of the afro-latin diasporic community. I feel at home in my body, ancestral prayer of safety and aliveness. I feel at home at the laughter and sounds of the drum during the roda de capoeira. I feel at home when I show up unannounced at my friend’s place and we sit around the table to talk about our days because co-existing doesn’t require a schedule slot in our calendar. I feel at home at community potlucks that transports me in time to à dimension of slow living and delicious feijoadas.

Debora Oliveira Board Member- Brazilian