Mercedes, 52

My Dad came to Los Angeles when he was only 17 from Puerto Rico in 1956. Having had only a 2nd grade education he worked in a cardboard factory taking as many shifts as he could to buy himself a little home. He met my Mom who was here visiting her sister from Mexico, at Immaculate Mary Catholic Church in LA. They had five children and 18 grandchildren. My father passed away in 2007. He worked really hard to provide and my Mom worked with him and took care of the kids and home. I have 3 children. My son has a BA in IT. My daughter has a masters in school psychology and my daughter is working towards her BA in teaching. I love this country, I pray for all the immigrants hurting right now including in my community because I see each and everyone of them in my story. The abuse and inhumane treatment of immigrants and all people of color I have witnessed first hand in my community breaks my heart and fills me with righteous anger. The people I have seen here taken are not criminals, they were taken from local car washes and the local Home Depot, trying to provide for their families just like any other father would. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭ 8 Thank you for sharing these stories.