In 2021, we saw horrific images of US border patrol agents whipping Black migrants. That year, we witnessed one of the largest expulsions of Black migrants in recent US history. As part of our advocacy in that defining moment, BAJI launched what has now become our annual Protect Black Migrants week of action where we amplify the needs, aspirations, and experiences of Black migrants. During this week, we spotlight the issues impacting Black migrants, and educate, advocate, and organize with our community and allies in support of the fight toward a just world for all Black people.

This year, our theme highlights that the liberation of the Black Diaspora is intertwined no matter our different experiences with the state, or country of birth. 

How we observed Protect Black Migrants

During Protect Black Migrants Week, BAJI orchestrated a series of events and actions across the nation to shed light on issues impacting Black migrants and African Americans. 

1. “Beyond The Border” (video and text summary): This webinar discussed how the Trump administration covertly expanded the role of Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) beyond the border in cities across the state. BAJI’s Legal Director, Tsion Gurmu, and Dr. Amara C. Enyia, Policy Director of Movement for Black Lives discussed BAJI’s recent report where our research and documents from the government show that CBP profiled, harassed and secretly detained racial justice organizers.
   
2. Youth Healing Circle: BAJI’s youth organizer, Amena Elamin, kicked-off BAJI’s virtual youth space where young people  gather to discuss topics of their choosing in support of their collective wellness and development. 
3. Volunteer/Backpack Distribution (Brooklyn, NY): Over the past six months, BAJI’s organizers and volunteers have been supporting Black asylum seekers in New York City. During this week, we continued to distribute backpacks with essential items to newly arriving Black migrants as the city leaves them to fend for themselves. 
4. Stop Cop City Banner Drops (Los Angeles, CA): In solidarity with the Stop Cop City movement in Atlanta, our California team engaged in multiple freeway banner drops to amplify the violence of the project as well as push for investment in our communities instead of the police.
5. Taste of Soul Festival (Los Angeles, CA):  BAJI joined Black Los Angeles in its largest annual celebration of Black food, music, and culture and shared our working fighting to advance racial justice for the Black Diaspora.
6. LED Truck (Miami, FL): Our team reminded Floridians that “Fighting for Black Folx Protects Black Migrants.” with an LED-truck message that traveled through downtown Miami and through Black Diasporic neighborhoods.
7. Fighting for Black Folks: Protects Black Migrants webinar (Atlanta, GA]): [video] In this webinar, our civic engagement team on the importance of local elections. This discussion was a reminder that we got us and a reawakening to the realities of white supremacy  and how we need community to move closer to liberation.

To support our work beyond the Protect Black Migrants week of action, please donate here.