1/13/24

By Rosey Vogan

Met up with friends coming in for the Witness at the Border: workshop for Justice on Thursday evening and had a wonderful dinner together.

Friday morning, we went to the Welcome Quilts: Migration , Art and Hope exhibit at the Arizona History Museum. Was an amazing and educational experience. The 2 presenters are attending the workshop.

I drove to Ajo that afternoon and explored Tom Kieffer’s studio. Tom retrieved items border patrol has taken from immigrants and tossed in the trash. He then takes photographs to show what is happening on the border.

Registering and dinner was that evening. So good to be with old friends. The laughter and hugs were in abundance! And we celebrated Marjorie’s birthday!

Saturday morning started with a historical overview on immigration history by Sarah Towle and Camilo Antonio Perez Bustillo. This definitely set the stage for the rest on the day. Panelists then talked on how border policies are resulting in deaths of humans and wildlife.

Scott Warren was our lunch time speaker.

In the afternoon a presentation on Hemispheric and Global Perspectives on Immigration and then breakout sessions on witnessing, lobbying and engagement at the local level

Dinner was held the Ajo Country Club. It’s been a long busy day but so wonderful to spend it with friends and other like minded individuals. We each bring a different lens to view the issue with.