Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Dear friends and neighbors,

Upon signing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and just two days before the 188th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, President Jhonson said: “Americans of every race and color have died in battle to protect our freedom. Americans of every race and color have worked to build a nation of widening opportunities. Now, our generation of Americans has been called on to continue the unending search for justice within our own borders. We believe that all men are created equal. Yet many are denied equal treatment. We believe that all men have certain unalienable rights. Yet many Americans do not enjoy those rights. We believe that all men are entitled to the blessings of liberty. Yet millions are being deprived of those blessings.

Not because of their own failures, but because of the color of their skin.”

In these uncertain times, as immigration raids increase across our communities, it is more important than ever to stand together with courage, compassion, and solidarity. Many of our friends, coworkers, and neighbors are living in fear—worried about being separated from their families, losing their livelihoods, or being treated as strangers in a place they have long called home.

Let me be clear: no one should have to live in fear. And no one should have to face that fear alone.

Now is the time for true community bonding—not just in words, but in action. We must show up for each other in meaningful ways. That means organizing rapid response networks, creating safe spaces, educating ourselves about rights and resources, and checking in on our neighbors. It means holding space for grief, but also for hope. But it is not the time to create fear and panic with false or unverified information on social media or anywhere else.

Whether you were born here or came seeking refuge from prosecution or fleeing from the chaos of “the big city,” your humanity matters. Our community is stronger, more beautiful, and more resilient because of our diversity. And when we come together—across languages, borders, and faiths—we affirm the truth that love, and justice are more powerful than fear and hateful actions.

Let’s not wait for tragedy to build bridges. Let’s build them now—at our schools, in our places of worship, on our front porches, and across kitchen tables. Let’s teach our children that dignity belongs to everyone and that silence, in the face of injustice, is not an option.

The recent fear lived by many in our community showed us what a broken community would look like if just a few businesses were forced to close due to a reduction in their workforce. A workforce reduction not by choice of their owners or their employees, but by the choice of injustice, prejudice, and ignorance. When these businesses close for just one (unscheduled) day, the financial loss is felt not just by the employees, it affects business owners, our local government, and everyone else in the community. Now imagine if they were forced to close for several days, weeks, or months. It would be devastating.

The economic impact is just one consequence of this fear, the emotional trauma left behind in every single member of the community it is just unimaginable, unjust, and unnecessary.

To those living under fear: you are seen, you are loved, and you are not alone.

To everyone else, it is time to stand by those in need. It is time to act in solidarity. It is time to speak for those without a voice. It is time to defend and protect each other as intended for in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: “No person shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

A community united, it is a stronger community.

In solidarity and hope,

Jose Garcia

Council Member

City of Bishop