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Immigrants' Day at the State House 2009

Four hundred MIRA members and allies from across Massachusetts gathered at the legislative building’s Grand Staircase on Wednesday morning, May 6, 2009, Byron Rushing for the 14th annual Immigrants’ Day at the State House.

<img src=http://kendallcommunitygroup.org/images/2006-17.jpg><img src=http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2006/06/23/1151056793_7288.jpg><img src=http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/07/08/1215571567_7677/539w.jpg>

The gathering was an impressive sight in an elegant setting, with media outlets and legislative staff attending to take note of the message. Thanks to all the community members, advocates and elected officials who came to advocate for funding and legislation, and a special thanks to all the speakers:

Boston Representative Byron Rushing, Local 615Service Employees International Union President Rocio Saenz, Cambridge Senator Anthony Galluccio, student presenter Mariama Samati from Federated Dorchester Neighborhood Houses, Director of the MA Workforce Investment Board Tamika Correia, and Dept. of Ed. Program Developer of Adult and Community Learning Services Andrea Perrault.

Special thanks also to the wonderful Brazilian percussion performance by Marcus Santos and friends. And extra thanks to Gladys Vega, Executive Director of the Chelsea Collaborative, for her attentive and enthusiastic work as MC.