6 questions for Omar and Jonah on supporting cooperation among new Americans in Maine

Immigrants to the United States often experience significant obstacles as they seek to create a life here. Financial, cultural, language, education, and a whole host of other concerns can overwhelm immigrant communities. This is why many immigrant groups have historically organized their communities to provide mutual aid and resources that ease the stress, suffering, and bewilderment which accompanies moving to another country and acclimating to a new culture. One such organization is the African Alliance of Rhode Island (AARI).

Black food co-ops are springing up across the nation. Learn more about them and the work of the start-up Central Brooklyn Food Coop.

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of NESAWG’s It Takes a Region conference we’re talking with food systems organizers and practitioners who are at the forefront of change in our region. What have these leaders seen over the past 25 years, and where do they see us heading? What do we need to know about the opportunities and constraints imposed by our current political climate, and how can we move together, as a collection of diverse communities, into a united food movement? Our first reflection is from Jose Oliva, co-director of the Food Chain Workers Alliance, who generously shared his story and the work of food chain workers around the country who are innovating tactics and building power to transform not just labor conditions in the food system, but how our communities and institutions navigate complex social and environmental issues.