The document discusses research conducted by the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity on alliances between African American and immigrant organizations. It finds that while the groups face many shared challenges, successful alliances are rare due to lack of understanding between the communities and insufficient resources. However, it also identifies opportunities for collaboration around common issues. The case study of CASA de Maryland and the NAACP illustrates lessons learned, including the importance of relationship building through education and dedicated alliance staff.
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African American- Immigrant Relations in a Global Era
1. African American- Immigrant Relations in a Global Era Andrew Grant-Thomas, Deputy Director Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity
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Notas do Editor
In order to study African American Immigrant Relations we need to understand on the one hand the global context and U.S. policies that affect immigration. On the other hand, we need to focus on the Structural and demographic context in the U.S. which affects both groups
This research has been in progress since last fall. We recently tapped into Kirwan’s extensive network of racial justice organizations, as well as a list of immigrant rights organizations, in order to try to gather recommendations / leads. Since there seem to be so few of these alliances (or at least so few that have any staying power), we spent a fair amount of time just trying to identify those that exist. We ultimately came up with around 25 that we could identify.
Relationship-building First Strategy: Relationship-building looks to reshape identities and interests; broaden worldview to include and understand the situation of the other group Includes teaching groups about the other group’s history; bringing groups together to address and overcome stereotypes To be meaningful and effective, relationship-building must be deliberate, thoughtful and central Without the trust and understanding born of effective relationship racial and nativistic tensions will surface. Alliances built without trust and mutual understanding will not endure Issues-First Strategy: Inter-group relationship challenges provide uncertain motivation for partnering Most people are highly motivated to act on “bread and butter” concerns The best way to unify efforts across lines of race/ethnicity /nativity through appeals to their shared tangible interests Trust and solidarity are earned and consolidated as a function of struggle for a common purpose It is useful bring immigrants and African Americans together deliberately to serve that shared purpose. “Issues-first” alliances are typically multi-organizational Organic Strategy: The best way to unify efforts across groups is through appeals to their shared tangible interests (same logic as “issues-first” approach) Whereas issue-first alliances draw on people with different organizational affiliations, “organic” partnerships are based on where people work, study, worship, etc. Whereas issue-first alliances use racial justice analyses or are otherwise race-conscious, “organic” alliances provide “color-blind” analyses Whereas issue-first alliances treat racial, ethnic, and immigrant identities as salient, “organic” alliances elevate associational identities (e.g. we’re all workers). The primacy of associational ties minimizes racial tensions.
AAs lack knowledge of globalization and the macro-level forces that would make someone want to immigrate; Immigs generally do not know about the history of AAs in America (slavery, discrimination, civil rights mvmt, etc.) – see AAs as incorporated into U.S. society (at least moreso than they are), as opposed to seeing the history of AAs marginalization and the ramifications of that Curricula – “Crossing Borders” by the Center for Community Change (Dushaw Hackett) & “BRIDGE” by the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR) 3) May have interest in this work, but lack the time / personnel, etc. to actually carry it out Include Asian communities, and Native Americans were mentioned multiple times by respondents The media tends to focus on the bad news – conflict & challenges makes for “better”/more interesting news than unity and solidarity. Some studies have looked specifically into the role of the media and its effect on these relationships Hiram showed us some articles recently that asked about the groups relations with less of a focus on the media
We’ve completed approximately 30 interviews We’ve spoken to multiple individuals at a few of these organizations Nearly all have been phone interviews Last approximately one hour Have list of open-ended interview questions that address our research questions, but we also try to follow the flow of the respondent’s thoughts and be flexible so that the interview flows like a conversation
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