Friday, November 19, 2004

Statewide immigrant rights conference convenes Saturday

The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) hosts its Annual Convention on Saturday, November 20th, from 10am to 5pm at Scarritt-Bennett Center, in Nashville, TN, to give immigrant and refugee leaders the opportunity to meet and develop a policy agenda on issues that affect their communities. Last year's Convention was the largest gathering of immigrant and refugee leaders in Tennessee history, and this year's convention promises to be almost twice as big.



TIRRC is a statewide, immigrant and refugee-led collaboration whose mission is to empower immigrants and refugees throughout Tennessee to develop a unified voice, defend their rights, and create an atmosphere in which they are viewed as positive contributors to the state.



Keynote speaker--Omar Jadwat, staff counsel at the National ACLU Immigrants Rights Project based in New York, will discuss "The Rights of Immigrants and Refugees in a Post-September 11th World." Mr. Jadwat is the son of immigrants from Korea and South Africa, graduating from NYU Law School and serving as law clerk to U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl. His practice at the Immigrants' Rights Project includes litigation relating to recent changes in immigration enforcement.



Cultural Celebration--From 6-9 in the evening, the TIRRC will host a Cultural Celebration at Belmont University's Massey Dining Hall, open to the public. We expect over 200 guests, who will enjoy a multicultural entertainment program, a silent auction, and exciting food from around the globe. $15 at the door ($10 in advance, children 10 & under free). Entertainers include Serenatta (Romantic Latin Ensemble), El Grupo Hispano America (Latin American Dance), Bara Jawad (Middle Eastern Oud Music), Kala Nivendanam (Bharatanatyam South Indian Dance), and Djembefole (West African Percussion). Food will be provided from Siete Mares, House of Kabab, Gold Star Farmer's Market, International Market, and Gye-Nyame Restaurant.



More information at TIRRC's website

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...