WASHINGTON d.c.
undocublack network
The UndocuBlack Network (UBN) is a multigenerational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black people that fosters community, facilitates access resources and contributes to transforming the realities of our people, so we are thriving and living our fullest lives. Our kickoff event was The Undocumented and Black Convening, a first-of-its kind national convening of over 65 Black undocumented persons in Miami, Florida on January 15-17, 2016. The convening was a three-day event of facilitated workshops, strategizing, intersectional caucus spaces, and healing spaces. On the last day of the convening, the queer caucus learned that some of our LGBTQ attendees were homeless. The caucus sprang into action and started a fundraiser that collected over $1000 in under 2 hours.
One of the main outcomes of the convening was the establishment of a network that would advocate for the undocuBlack community and uplift its stories. The UndocuBlack Network’s mission is twofold: 1) to “Blackify” this country’s understanding of the undocumented population and 2) to facilitate access to resources for the Black undocumented community. Ultimately, our vision is to have truly inclusive immigrant rights and racial justice movements that advocate for the rights of Black undocumented individuals, provide healing spaces, and kinship to those with intersecting identities.