Dearest Community, 

As we celebrate the fragile ceasefire in Gaza and witness Trump officially take the highest office in the land, we find ourselves navigating a landscape of both joy and vigilance—remaining ready to face what comes.

It is time to see what fear-based rhetoric will turn into policies attempting to hurt us – women, BIPOC people, LGBTQI2S+ communities, childbearing bodies, immigrants and refugees – all of us. We are already hearing about a national emergency declared at the Southern Border that promises deportations and executive orders to deny trans rights. 

In these consequential times, as we reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to justice and nonviolence, and his vision of building a Beloved Community. We strive to be a community that sees clearly, acts with intention, and transforms despair into determination. We are a community guided by the principles of equity, understanding, justice and love that prevails over fear and hatred.

It is an honor to work alongside refugee and immigrant families and communities, fellow immigrant rights organizations, justice-oriented foundation partners, volunteers, and each of you in our community. Together, we can resist harmful policies that seek to divide and break us and stand up to challenges with strength and unity for a better future for all. 

In love and solidarity, 

CERI’s Executive Team