#MigrantsContribute, mission accomplished!

Reproaching myself for having experienced the energy that the event of Migrants Contribute was clearly emanating. It was a celebration, and its main purpose of this was to unite and raise the voices of latinos and friends of the community against racism and xenophobia.

Organisations, artists and the general public joined together on Saturday, 28th March in the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre, the area chosen to celebrate this event, which is the first of a series, which I am confident, which will keep on going. It is notable that Elephant and Castle is the site of the largest and oldest network of Latin American businesses in London, which is indication of the presence of the Latin community in this area of London and its surroundings.

LADPP representatives in the Migrants Contribute's event

As a Cuban, Latin Caribbean and an immigrant, I feel identified with this initiative and join the cry of #MigrantsContribute, with the only objective of calling attention to and defending the immense contribution we bring to this community. I give special thanks to projects, organizations and institutions that took part in this event, and that strive to highlight the value that our community holds, such as LADPP, CLAUK, IRMO, LAWA, Latin Elephant, NPL Naz Project London, Teléfono de la Esperanza, United Voices of the World, CASA Latin American Theatre Festival, Migrant and Refugees Communities Forum, MERU Movimiento Ecuador in the United Kingdom, Latinos in London, Migrants Rights Network, Exilio, Talentos, The LUKAS Awards and Luna Play Back.

And there are many actions that have been taken in this regard. Not long ago, a petition was created and went public, appealing for the continuation of funding for Latin American Woman’s Aid (LAWA). This action had a favourable result due to the perseverance of their representatives.

Another achievement that holds great weight, is the recognition in both Lambeth and Southwark council, which recognize the Latin Americans as an ethnic group.

So, achievements and initiatives like those of Migrants Contribute, support, enhance and strengthen the daily advancement of the Latin American community. And this is what it is about, making sure that we are taken into consideration because migrants do contribute.

And for those, who like myself, did not have the opportunity to attend the event, I give you this summary of what happened.

Migrants Contribute, mission accomplished!

By Yannia Pérez Rumayor (Social Media Volunteer)
Photo: Rachel Hobbs (Twitter)
Video: ExpressNewsTV
Translated by John-Jeffrey Luna and Rosie Morgan

Related to author: LADPP Sponsored London walk