Under a hot noon sun, a large crowd gathered today at Park Square in Pittsfield, part of a “Bring Families Together,” national day of action to protest the immigration policies of the Trump administration.
Following a rousing rendition of classic protest songs by the singing group, The Hoping Machine, community activist Shirley Edgerton rallied the crowd together for a moving speaking program that was translated into Spanish.
Rally speakers included Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer, who affirmed her commitment to human values and social justice in the Pittsfield community.
U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal addressed the need to get out and vote for a more responsive and humane congress.
Sopheap Nhim, a former childhood refugee from Cambodia, spoke of how America’s welcome saved her family’s lives and created critical opportunities for a new life.
Donna Morelli, an immigration lawyer with the Central West Justice Center spoke of the several immigrant support groups in the Berkshires, and especially of the importance of the work of the American Civil Liberties Union. She encouraged the audience to make contributions to these organizations to support their advocacy for immigrant and refugee families.
Pediatrician Eli Newberger described the long term psychological and illness sequelae of early childhood traumatic exposures, focusing on the groundbreaking research of John Bowlby, who spoke of infantile attachment as a vitamin for the soul. When children’s needs for comfort and connection are not addressed, their confusion and desperation can lead to lasting emotional and social deterioration. He ended his remarks by noting that the administration’s current definition of family does not consider the extended caregiving ties of many families from rural Latin American and African cultures.
State representative Adam Hinds addressed the need for citizen action in voting, and for electing humane representatives.
The formal remarks ended with the Rev. Joel Huntington of South Congregational Church. Speaking on behalf of Berkshire Interfaith Organizing, Reverend Huntington reminded us of the message of David and Goliath, before offering a closing prayer of peace, compassion, and justice.
