The Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) was founded in 2006 in response to the negative perception toward immigrants, especially those of color, which was being reflected in the anti-immigration bills pushed by Congress at the time.
Now, in the era of Trump where the anti-immigration rhetoric is gaining momentum, the resources provided by BAJI are more necessary than ever as the organization continues to bring people together.
According to their website:
At the local and regional level, BAJI provides training and technical assistance to partner organizations to develop leadership skills, works with faith communities to harness their prophetic voice, and initiates vibrant dialogues with African Americans and black immigrants to discover more about race, our diverse identities, racism, migration and globalization.
…. Black activists in the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area were called to action by Rev. Kelvin Sauls, a South African immigrant and Rev. Phillip Lawson, a long time Civil Rights leader and co-founder/co-chair of the California Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights.
BAJI also grew out of the efforts of the Priority Africa Network. PAN organizes Africa Diaspora Dialogues which have brought African Americans and black immigrants from Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America together to dialogue about the myths and stereotypes as well as the cultural, social and political issues that divide our communities.
Currently, there are Local BAJI Organizing Committees in New York, Georgia, California and Arizona. BAJI offers multiple resources, such as providing information, hosting webinars and organizing call-to-action events.