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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Madeleine Bravo, Legal Services Coordinator at La Colmena
5:38:12
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124 sec
Madeleine Bravo, Legal Services Coordinator at La Colmena, testifies about the importance of supporting immigrant communities in Staten Island and requests continued funding for their organization. She highlights La Colmena's work in empowering immigrants through education, culture, organizing, and economic development.
- La Colmena provides support for immigrants facing ICE interactions, deportation proceedings, wage theft, discrimination, and harassment.
- The organization faces opposition and has had to increase security at their facility.
- Bravo emphasizes the need for partnership and commitment from the City Council to continue their mission of fighting for justice and dignity for all immigrants.
Madeleine Bravo
5:38:12
Good afternoon, chairs and council members.
5:38:14
My name is Madeline Bravo and I am the legal services coordinator at La Colmena.
5:38:20
We are a immigrant right organization based in Staten Island and our mission is to empower the immigrant community through education, culture, organizing, and economic development.
5:38:31
For years, La Colmena has stood unapologetically with our immigrant community, often facing hostility and resistance.
5:38:39
However, we always remain dedicated because we know how critical this work is.
5:38:43
We've built a sanctuary of support, resilience, and empowerment, but we cannot do it alone.
5:38:49
Today, I am here to remind you of the vital importance of ensuring that La Cormena continues to receive the unwavering support it needs from this council, Now more than ever, as we navigate a fast changing policy environment, we have been equipping our community members with tools to navigate ICE interactions and preparing them with the power of attorney in case of deportation proceedings.
5:39:16
But this is just the beginning.
5:39:18
Our immigrant neighbors face not only the threat of deportation, but also wage theft, discrimination, and harassment.
5:39:25
This is why we ask to please include us along with our partners in the Day Laborer Coalition and the New York City Coalition for Domestic Workers, so we can continue doing this important work.
5:39:37
We've also had to ramp up security at our own facility as we face opposition from those who disagree with the work we do on Staten Island.
5:39:45
It is not easy to operate under these conditions, but we refuse to back down.
5:39:50
This is why La Cormena exists, to remind every immigrant on Staten Island that they are not alone.
5:39:56
We are here to fight for them, stand with them, and uplift them.
5:40:00
However, to continue this critical mission, we need your partnership and your commitment in supporting La Cormena.
5:40:06
Thank you for your time, your support, and for standing with us as we continue this fight for justice and dignity for all.
5:40:12
Together, we can build a strong and more inclusive Staten Island.