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August 13, 2008 The shock and outrage over the dubious arrest of library worker Marxavi Angel Martínez in North Carolina (we've written of it here and here) continues to grow, but now there is an easy way for you to do something about it.
Marxavi's entire family is up against the ICE wall, after many years of work and service in their community. They've all lost their jobs, and the legal battle is underway. The library organization REFORMA has set up a link on its home page where you can send some help using PayPal or a credit card. Marilyn Tyler, a local educator who has stood behind Marxavi, told me the other day, "If all the people who are upset about this were to give as little $5 or $10, it would make a big difference to this family."
Others in the library community have worked hard to raise awareness of this case, such as Kathleen de la Peña McCook, Robin Imperial, and Mary Donley. And now there is the statement below from a major library organization:
REFORMA librarians stand with Marxavi Angel Martínez, create support fund
August 13, 2008 The shock and outrage over the dubious arrest of library worker Marxavi Angel Martínez in North Carolina (we've written of it here and here) continues to grow, but now there is an easy way for you to do something about it.
Marxavi's entire family is up against the ICE wall, after many years of work and service in their community. They've all lost their jobs, and the legal battle is underway. The library organization REFORMA has set up a link on its home page where you can send some help using PayPal or a credit card. Marilyn Tyler, a local educator who has stood behind Marxavi, told me the other day, "If all the people who are upset about this were to give as little $5 or $10, it would make a big difference to this family."
Others in the library community have worked hard to raise awareness of this case, such as Kathleen de la Peña McCook, Robin Imperial, and Mary Donley. And now there is the statement below from a major library organization:
August 11, 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, expresses its deep concern and distress over the recent arrest in North Carolina of Marxavi Angel Martinez, a Latina staff member of Graham Public Library in Alamance County, North Carolina.
Created in 1971 REFORMA has as one of its goals the recruitment of bilingual, bicultural librarians to serve the growing Latino population of the United States. We also encourage, support, and defend all Latino library workers of all ranks in the profession.
Our association has a long and strong record in supporting fair immigration policies and human rights. Please visit our web page http://www.reforma.org/ to view the resolutions, actions and tool kits that our members have developed to combat the current xenophobia and racism in our midst.
It is thus with an immense sense of indignation that we condemn the arrest of Ms. Martinez. The manner in which she was arrested is deplorable; the place where this arrest took place is unthinkable: The Graham Public Library where she worked! The library—a traditionally safe space for the public—was transformed, in this instance, to a dangerous place where anyone can be arrested for their immigrant status. As a library organization, REFORMA has worked so long and so hard –fought tooth and nail -to make libraries accessible to all members of the community, to have a diverse collection that reflects the population of the community, and to make the libraries the cultural and educational oasis that welcomes people of all races, shapes and colors.
And now this!
REFORMA cannot remain silent. Ms. Martinez arrest affects us all: native born citizens, new and old immigrants and, of course, Native Americans-the truly indigenous people of this country. Ms. Martinez treatment by the law enforcement officials of Alamance County, North Carolina is a library, immigration and human rights case—all wrapped in one. Additionally, the immigration issue touches on the history and legacy of colonialism, genocide, and injustice whose perverse effects still can be seen and felt by the communities served by REFORMA. As a library organization, REFORMA also advocates the confidentiality of personal information of library employers and patrons.
Luis Chaparro, President 2008-09
http://reforma.org“Bibliotecarios al Servicio del Pueblo”
El Paso Community College
El Paso, TX
Posted by Bruce Jensen on August 13, 2008 | Comments (3)
Industries: Serving Spanish Speakers
Reader Comments
at 8/19/2008 10:11:13 AM, Kathleen de la Peña McCook commented:
Thanks to the REFORMA Board for taking such a strong stand. And thank you Bruce for giving the letter a home in the press.
at 9/8/2008 7:07:13 PM, Fred Smith commented:
I see that you've left out that not only Ms. Martinez but also her husband stole identies. You left out the fact that both knew they had broken the law and now you and others are whining because they were caught and arrested. I think I have much better things to do than get upset about a criminal that got caught breaking the law. By the way, when has anyone who has broken the law has had a choice as to where or how they were arrested. COME ON! GET REAL!
at 9/17/2008 10:59:09 PM, bruz commented:
"Stole identities," Fred? Can you explain what you mean?
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