Vigil reminder for vigilance
The separation of children from their parents at the United Statesmexico border is a reminder to stay vigilant against racism in Aotearoa, an Anglican minister says.
Dozens gathered in Palmerston North last Friday night to hold a peaceful vigil to highlight the recent separation of children from their parents at the Usmexico border in connection with hardline US immigration policies.
Among those present were city councillors, religious leaders, members of local iwi and people from the city’s Latino community.
Speakers included a refugee from Mexico, while those present sang Dave Dobbyn’s Welcome
Home and laid down paper cutouts of families holding hands.
Anglican minister Andy Hickman, who spoke at the vigil on behalf of social justice group It’s Our Future Manawatu¯ , said it was about showing solidarity with families seeking asylum.
Palmerston North, as a city known for accepting refugees, had the credibility to speak up about race issues, he said.
‘‘We feel that Palmerston North has proven to be a city of hospitality.’’
People went out of their way to attend the vigil, with some Muslims putting off the time of their evening prayers to ensure they could attend, he said.
Although US President Donald Trump had signed an executive order last week, ending the practice of separating children from their parents at the border, Hickman said the vigil was still important.
The order being signed ‘‘shows the power of people who have a moral conscience’’.
The vigil also served as a way to remind people that what happened in the past week should not happen again, Hickman said.
‘‘The underlying prejudice and injustice remains.
‘‘The signing of the order has not alleviated the tension that asylum seekers continue to live with.’’
Black and Hispanic people were subject to racial profiling in the US, and the same could be said for Ma¯ori in Aotearoa, he said.
‘‘We’re not just pointing the finger at America’s problems,’’ he said. ‘‘We are also taking ownership that we here need to look at ourselves, love our neighbours and families, look out for others, and recognise that we have a diverse range of ethnicities here.
‘‘We can always continue to do better at loving one another.’’