Here is a sample of a decade of photojournalism assignments ranging from various publications, nonprofits, and projects — capturing the humanity of each story.
A little boy stretched out his arm to hold onto his mother’s hand as she walked along chanting, “Si, se puede,” translated, “Yes, we can.” A broken American flag tucked into the back of his Spiderman hat swayed in the breeze as he kept up with the 300 marchers on their way to San Bernardino City Hall Oct. 5 for National Day of Dignity and Respect.
Tens of thousands of immigration reform supporters showed up in 150 cities across the nation, including San Bernardino and Riverside.
A bill targeted toward reform was passed by the Senate in June but has been stalled in the House of Representatives since its original passing.
Martha Figueroa, one of the event organizers and part of Mobilize the Immigrant Vote Action Fund, explained the goals of this event.
“We want to send a strong message to Congress, particularly the House of Representatives, that enough is enough, and that they need to be moving on comprehensive immigration reform,” Figueroa said. “We’re not going to wait, and we’re not going to go away. This issue is very important to us, and we’re going to continue until we see something.”
The group rallied outside city hall to send a message to Rep. Gary Miller (R) of San Bernardino, who has not given a statement about his position on the issue.
One of the speakers at the rally was Jacqueline Meza, senior sociology student at the University of California at Riverside. Meza was born in Mexico and came to America while in second grade, but did not become a citizen until last month.
“We have less than 30 days left to convince Congress for immigration reform to pass,” Meza said. “If we don’t convince them, if this doesn’t go through, then 10 to 15 years will go by before this is proposed again in Congress.”
Meza has been working for over a year with a national non-profit organization called Mi Familia Vota, which works to enforce change in the Latino community.
For those afraid to march, others stepped in for them.
“I know a lot of (illegal immigrants) are scared of coming out behind those lines and saying ‘Hey, I’m undocumented.’” said Norberto Gonzalez, junior psychology major at the University of California at San Diego. “But I can come out for them,” Demonstrations were also held on Oct. 8 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Among the 200 people who were arrested, eight were House Democrats.
Despite setbacks, supporters continue to press the House to make a decision before it is too late.
“I want to make sure people’s stories have happy endings,” Gonzalez said. “I know there are struggles in between all the time, and that’s why I’m here today for them – for that struggle.”
President Obama and Democrats said they will tackle immigration next now that the government has reopened.
Written by Bradlee Locke + Jessica Lawson
The Red for Ed Rally was buzzing for days before the march that took over downtown Phoenix. Teachers would ask one another if they were going. Student teachers inquiring if the school would truly be shut down and what was their role in all of this.
Sam Montalbano, 19, student-teacher at Kyrene Elementary shared her confliction with attending the rally, “Do I march with fellow teachers? Or do I take advantage of a free day and work on homework as a student?”
The rally and march left many wondering days before what was their role in all of this. But as the rally day approached everyone who gathered knew exactly who they were.
Regardless of age, race, or job tends of thousands gathered outside Chase Field Stadium and began the couple mile march to the Capitol.
Teachers in Arizona on average make anywhere from 30,000 to 35,000 in their first year. Many of the marchers expressed that they work one to two extra jobs on top of their teaching position that often holds about 40-60 hours a week.
Despite the financial hardships that drew educators to the march, teachers were greatly encouraged by the number of parents, students, and children that accompanied the journey.
“Showing my children how important it is to rise up when bullies take advantage of you is the best lesson they’ll learn all year,” commented Marie Blanco, a homeschool teacher, and mother of three.
As the Capitol approached excitement grew. The rally began in the later afternoon with a varying lineup of educators, politicians, and other community leaders.
While the rally commenced, many teachers would be found taking some of their students into the Capitol building and teaching them a bit of Arizona’s history.
”This is what I’m made to do. I wish it supported me financially,” Bree Caroll, 29, middle school teacher, joked. “But we’re all the way here, I might as well take advantage of this moment.”
The rally continued into the evening and the buzz continued to spread as Colorado and Washington had a couple of Red for Ed rallies in the following weeks.
Ashley Bills, 34, an art teacher in Santa Rosa, Calif. said, “I’m very proud of the educators in Arizona. They are paving the way for other educators around the country.”
Written by Jessica Lawson
