WHEN SOLIDARITY TRANSCENDS TO BELONGING
WHEN SOLIDARITY TRANSCENDS TO BELONGING
By Camille Llanes-Fontanilla
I joined SOMOS Mayfair eleven years ago to be in solidarity with the immigrant community while organizing and championing policy change. I had just finished an almost year-long battle to end my cousin’s detention and prevent his deportation. In that process, I witnessed the dehumanization of detainees; the lack of information available to families; and how hard it was to navigate the system without money and fluency in the English language. Once I saw such inequities, I couldn’t turn away.
“I joined SOMOS Mayfair eleven years ago to be in solidarity with the immigrant community while organizing and championing policy change.”
As a daughter of immigrants from the Philippines, born and raised in East San José, I felt connected to the work and the cause. When I came to work, I thought I knew what solidarity was. I thought it was about showing up; being fierce; and advancing a common interest with others. I thought that I would use my skills and experience to be an ally in the movement. I thought that working at SOMOS would allow me to support the immigrant community.
And yes, over the last decade, together with community members, Promotoras, and staff, we have led and walked in our share of marches and protests. We have signed more petitions and letters of support than I can count. We have knocked on thousands of doors. We have waited countless hours to give public comment into the wee hours of the night. But beyond the actions of demonstrated solidarity, this community has taught me it’s true essence.
“But beyond the actions of demonstrated solidarity, this community has taught me it’s true essence.”
“Here, I learned that solidarity is about belonging, connection and reciprocity.
Here, I learned what I means to embody In Lak’ech:Tu eres mi otro yo. Si te hago daño a ti, Me hago daño a mi mismo. Si te amo y respeto, Me amo y respeto yo.
Here, I learned what it means to tell another mother or a woman of color, “I got you, always,” and hear it in return.
““Here, I learned that solidarity is about belonging, connection and reciprocity.”