Curious about what is happening with the migrant crisis? Interested in learning more about the causes of and solutions to the influx of new arrivals? Want to know how you can help? Join BKO and local leaders in immigration advocacy and services for a conversation about the current situation, how the city is responding, the solutions they are working to bring to the issue, and what you can do to ensure that incoming Brooklynites have the support they need to thrive. Breakfast will be served.

Speakers

Murad Awawdeh, New York Immigration Coalition

Murad Awawdeh (he/him) is the President and CEO at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC). The son of Palestinian immigrants, Murad has dedicated over two decades of his life fighting for low-income communities of color across the State of New York. He grew up organizing to stop dangerous and hazardous developments in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and engaging community residents to build power and bring transformational change to their neighborhoods.

Adamah Bah, Afrikana

Adama Bah (she/her) is the Chief Executive Director and Founder of Afrikana, an organization that helps immigrants get their footing in their new country. Bah immigrated to the U.S. from Guinea as a 2-year-old. Law enforcement took her into custody on suspicion of being a terrorist when she was a teenager. Her organization helps immigrants find benefits, apply for identification cards and more.

Lorena Kourousias, Mixteca Organization

Lorena Kourousias (she/her) serves as the Executive Director of Mixteca Organization, Inc., where she leverages her extensive experience in advocating for underprivileged communities. With a strong foundation in psychology and social work, Lorena’s expertise particularly shines in her work with Latinx women, addressing the multifaceted challenges they encounter at the intersection of immigration status, culture, class, and race.