Saturday, September 19, 10am ET
The discussion will address African immigration and asylum seekers, including issues faced by special groups. What are the challenges that African migrants face? How can we better understand the diversity of African immigrants and support their acclimatization in the U.S.? This is an opportunity to discuss the unique experiences of and challenges facing African immigrants who identify, either openly or not, as members of the LGBTQ community.The results of this conversation will be shared with the United Nations.
Speakers:
Peter Gonzales is the President and CEO of the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, a non-profit promoting inclusive economic growth through immigrant integration. Over the past 25 years, Peter has had a broad range of professional experiences that inform his current work. He managed an immigration law practice, coordinated an effort to revitalize a commercial corridor in Lower North Philadelphia, advocated for the civil rights of people who experience homelessness, and served as an English and U.S. Civics teacher in Poland and South Korea.
Maureen is a committed Community Developer professional with a commitment for supporting immigrants, refugees and the community through empowerment, social support, and friendship. Working in Community assistance for refugee and Unaccompanied Refugee Minors with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Kenya and Botswana. Knowledgeable in Refugee Foster care support and Community Resource development with Bethany Christian Services with a 15 years background working with vulnerable communities in Kenya, Botswana and the US through social assistance, support and training.
Bruce Knotts is co-chair of the NGO Committee on Human Rights at the United Nations, the chair of the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace and Security, a member of the NGO UN Security Council Working Group, serves on the Board of the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development and he chaired the NGO/DPI Executive Committee (2015-19) which represents 1,400 DPI affiliated NGOs at the United Nations. Bruce is a trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions and a Commissioner for the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation.
Alia Adams grew up in Uganda. Her family life was in suburban Kampala. She was a student and was on-track to completing her college degree when in 2014 Uganda’s government had a crackdown on LGBT citizens. She fled to Kenya under the auspices of UNHCR and endured hardships until she finally received refugee status in The United States at age 22 in 2017. She currently lives in suburban Philadelphia and works for a medical office and will be pursuing her nursing degree.
Download recording of this program HERE
Download the Flier HERE.