Dear friends,
Music heals. Last week I had two experiences that reminded me of the healing power of music. First, my twin sons had returned home from school, and I heard a loud bang as Francesco dropped his backpack to the floor. I knew something was wrong. As I was about to ask him about his day, he went straight to the piano and began playing Frederic Chopin’s Prelude Number 20 in C Minor, Opus 28. You don’t have to be a classical musician to understand the existential angst reflected in this piece. The music starts abruptly– angrily. And then the opening is followed by a melancholic stillness and closes with chords of hope. As Francesco played, I saw his face soften– even a smile crept in.
My second experience was at MIC’s Annual Partners Retreat co-hosted by Sociedad Latina. Immigrant serving organizations from across the state met with the goal of discovering a renewed sense of purpose and mission and most importantly, to discover community and connection during these devastating times. As we heard each other’s stories, I was struck by how our collective voices sounded like a symphony– a beautiful mix of chords and motifs. And like my son Francesco, I saw faces soften, smile and laugh as we created our own music. The musical theme of the day continued when Bithyah Israel played Bach on her cello during lunch. She is the President and CEO of City Strings United in Roxbury, a non-profit organization that provides access to music education to youth from under-served communities.
Music heals. I could hear the music of Dr. Geralde Gabeau’s voice as she excitedly announced in a video on social media that a federal judge had issued a temporary stay blocking the termination of TPS for Haitians. Dr. Gabeau is the Executive Director of IFSI (Immigrant Family Services Institute) and a founding board member of MIC.
You have an opportunity to join a chorus of voices on Immigrants’ Day at the Massachusetts State House on Wednesday, March 18th. In addition to participating in a powerful cultural program, you have the opportunity to talk to your legislators to advocate for legislation that advances immigrant rights.
We need your voice. We need your music. Please join us on March 18th and let our immigrant families know that they are not alone.
In solidarity,
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