On the day of the “A Day Without Immigrants” protest, something felt different in our community. Classrooms were quieter than usual; lunch lines moved a little faster. The absence of so many people was a reminder of something we often take for granted: how deeply immigrants support the very structure of our society.
Immigrants are the backbone of our economy and communities. They are the ones who work behind the counters, in the kitchens, and on construction sites. Many are our parents, grandparents, neighbors, and classmates. The protest gave us a moment to realize just how different our world would be without them, and how much we owe to their presence and contributions.
For many of us, the protest sparked personal reflection. We think of our grandparents and parents, of the stories they rarely tell in full. Stories of long, dangerous journeys, of starting from nothing in a new country, and in some cases, of being forced into migration through human trafficking or desperate circumstances. One student, who requested to remain anonymous, spoke about how his mom was “a victim of human trafficking…and she was basically used” when arriving in the United States. These sacrifices are not forgotten. Instead, they serve as a powerful reminder for students today to work hard and push forward, not just for ourselves, but for the generations who came before us.
Reflection isn’t always enough. We are encouraged now more than ever to use our voices, to speak out, to educate ourselves, and to learn our history. Because, as we’ve seen, a stronger voice and a stronger understanding of our roots lead to stronger power. One of our Franklin students said, “…it’s also important to learn your history because once you learn your history – that knowledge – no one can take it away from you.” That’s why students feel so strongly about making their voices heard.
“A Day Without Immigrants” wasn’t just a moment. It was a movement. It was a call to see our families, our friends, our workers, not just as part of the system, but as essential to it. And whether we were in the streets, in the classrooms, or at home, remembering where we come from, that day was a reminder of who we are and the strength we carry.
