From Africa to Maine: The History, The Journey, and Life Together series has been a great success. It was a truly a joy for our Church to partner with Prince Memorial Library and learn from the amazing panelists who spoke. We are thrilled to know that this series has sparked many conversations. With close to 900 registrations for the 3-part series, clearly there is concern, caring, and interest in this timely topic and many seeking to welcome neighbors who are finding a new home in Maine.
Below you will find links to each session and ways to help.
Session 1: The History of DRC and Angola https://youtu.be/n0I7MuFpGHg
Luc Kuanzambi shared the history of Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the geopolitical factors that have led so many to leave their countries and come to the United States.
Session 2: The Journey https://youtu.be/JsnVwEFFP_c
Prince Pombo Mafumba, Jennifer Bailey, Esq., Mufalo Chitam, and Luc Kuanzambi discussed the journey from Africa to Maine, the circumstances and operations at the US-Mexico border, and the challenges for asylum seekers arriving in Maine.
Session 3: Life Together https://youtu.be/S8rORJo2InQ
Held live at the Congregational Church in Cumberland, UCC, community members seeking asylum shared their experiences and Madeleine Saucier of Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition added to the discussion of the economic, legal and cultural realities of making a new life in Maine.