Immigration activists eye community building
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Florida Immigration Coalition
By MAURA POSSLEY
mpossley@bradenton.com

Activists from Manatee County and around Florida have begun training to bring to their communities the power to build communities across racial divides.

A "Crossing Borders" seminar was held by the Florida Immigrant Coalition for its members to go back into their hometowns and begin dialogue with their black community.

It is just one of many conversations the organization plans to have with varying ethnic and racial communities throughout the state.

"I know that we all have a dream to see our country being one embracing the richness and diversity that every person brings," said Luz Corcuera, one of the activists trained at last weekend's session. "We plan on replicating the training here locally and beginning to work more closely with other minority groups."

The community building begins with blacks, who have a legacy in battling for their civil rights.

"There is a lot of potential for joint work," said Maria Rodriguez, coalition executive director.

The controversial issue of immigration reform has been debated in Congress with no success. As advocates have called for its passage, opponents have rallied against it asking lawmakers for beefed up security instead.

"We want to make sure there is accurate information on the role and impact of immigration," Rodriguez said.

Maura Possley, Herald reporter, can be reached at 748-0411, ext. 2640.

I guess that means they will be calling us racists again .

http://www.bradenton.com/local/story/743991.html