This Sunday, the International Rescue Committee and Tucson Jewish Community Center are hosting an event entitled, “Walk a Mile in a Refugee’s Shoes”. This simulation is aimed at providing the Tucson community with insight into the hardships, frustrations, and pain that refugees endure.

By Erich Almonte

In his book, “Gettysburg: The Pivotal Battle of the Civil War,” Captain Robert K. Beecham wrote: “The power of the soldiers to endure the fatigue of the march and keep their places in the ranks was greatly enhanced by an opportunity to brew a cup of coffee by the wayside.”

This week, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees shared the stories of  20 refugee women who came together to open and run a dairy cooperative in Ethiopia. On a good day, these women earn up to 540 Ethiopian Birr—the equivalent of $26 U.S. dollars. The women share the money in an effort to support one another, explaining that the goal of the business is to become self-reliant and care for their children.

Veterans for American Ideals, in collaboration with Starbucks, is proud to present "SIV Sips." By bringing veterans and refugees together for coffee and conversation, we build bridges between communities and grow together.

Because I served my country, I feel a responsibility to care for this nation. With the military force being comprised of less than 20 percent women, when a woman veteran speaks up, her voice bears a certain weight. Being a military spouse and a mother adds another dimension to my identity and what I have to say. It is up to all Americans to speak up when injustice occurs, whether that be using your voice at roundtable discussions, organizing in your own community, or engaging with your members of Congress. Each of these methods plays a part in the fight against hate, prejudice, and inequality.

On Wednesday, VFAI hosted Monsters to Destroy: a Multimedia Talk in Defense of Refugees. Comedian and filmmaker Ben Tumin shared his connection to refugee resettlement, using anecdotes about his grandfather, a German-Jewish refugee. Ben gave an informative and humorous performance, piecing together what he’s learned about himself, this country, and what questions remain for many Americans when it comes to refugees.

In honor of Black History Month, Army veteran and VFAI leader Mac McEachin, reflects on exemplary service amid profound prejudice. McEachin shares the stories of Staff Sergeant Clifford Chester Sims and Colonel Fred Cherry, two men who made brave sacrifices for our country in the face of injustice.

By Mac McEachin

Overlooking the wide expanse of the national mall, a stone’s throw to monuments honoring those who who served in the Vietnam, Korean, and Second World Wars, sits the National Museum of African American History and Culture. There, on its third floor, is one of the most moving and powerful testaments to service in the face of extraordinary prejudice: Double Victory: The African American Military Experience.

This week, a veteran’s museum in Kinston, North Carolina honored Isaac Pope, a 100-year-old World War II Army veteran, as part of its Black History Month Celebration. The Kinston community shared that Pope is an unsung hero who prevailed through discrimination and racism and now gives back to his city.