Now is a critical time for a real discussion about immigration and immigration reform. Nationally and locally this important dialogue has been central over the last six months. However, we believe this discussion needs to go to a deeper level and address several neglected issues...

In addition to theater, another powerful tool is the art of murals, which has inspired two organizations that received Cultural Grants last year to explore the historic role of murals in social and cultural movements, from ancient civilizations throughout the world to modern social justice struggles in Mexico and Latin America. They include Unete, a farmworker organization in Medford, OR; and the Community Alliance of Lane County, a human rights organization based in Eugene, Oregon.

In Seattle, the Duwamish Tribe developed an innovative dinner theater project to raise public awareness of the tribe’s history and current-day struggles, and to promote the cultural, social, political and economic survival of Seattle’s First People. The project also seeks to raise funds for a Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center, and to regain tribal recognition by the US federal government. The Duwamish have been fighting for federal recognition for over 25 years — in the wake of a much deeper history of injustice.

Last December, the Social Justice Fund awarded seven grants totaling $60,000 to support cultural organizing. Through theater performances, murals, music, and film, grassroots organizations are strengthening organizing efforts in the farmworker movement; unmasking the intersecting issues of homophobia, racism and violence; promoting the culture, history, and survival of indigenous peoples; raising the visibility of social justice struggles in South Asian communities; and raising the voices of those affected by violence and the criminal justice system.