By now you might be familiar with #IAmAnImmigrant. It is a deeply personal project that I have had the honor to be part of building over the course of the last few years as part of my work with @WeAreSoze. It is a campaign built to change the narrative around what it means to be an immigrant and an ally to immigrants in this country. As a formerly undocumented immigrant and recent U.S. Citizen, it means so much to me to be able to share the stories of so many who make America what it is.
Over the last year, I worked closely with @jenyfer718 (my partner in crime and one of the dopest people I know) and @fwdus to build a partnership with none other than @FrenchMontana, who saw what was happening with immigrant communities in our country and knew it was important to use his platform to not just share his story, but to also support those who are being directly impacted. Iâve gotten the chance to sit with French and his amazing team multiple times and Iâve seen firsthand how passionate he is to ensure that everyone has equal access to the American Dream regardless of where they come from. As an immigrant himself, French knows what itâs like to be undocumented and to feel like you are being pushed to be part of a world you donât even understand.Â
So, last week, in his hometown of The Bronx, we announced him as the first ever #IStandWithImmigrants Ambassador. As part of his ambassadorship, he launched a $50,000 scholarship with @TheKnowledgeHouse and an exclusive ISWI T-shirt whose proceeds go towards supporting DACA renewals! In addition to this, we were joined by @jumaane.williams, @catalinacruz, @Jerelyn_r and of course, @todd.
On its face, it may not seem like a big deal. But this project, and having French join us, has been an incredible journey for me personally. One in which I learned what it means to honestly follow your gut (and perhaps not sleep for a couple of days.) I even got the opportunity to direct our launch video and produce the launch event. But of course I didnât do it by myself: I am forever grateful to everyone who made this possible: @NijeulX, @EarlthomasonJr, @shayanhathaway, @thatbex, @inmyshoes_org, @understandthevision, @jemaray and the countless others I am missing!Â
And of course, thank you to my my friends and mentors @paolamendoza, @alidamarie, @michaelskolnik who have taught me so much!Â
Lastly, shout out to Frenchâs team who literally makes magic happen everyday, @dinasahimreed, @salxo and @tammyfyi!
Canât wait for you all to see whatâs next! In the meantime, check out the link in my bio and cop the shirt!
Campaign: @IAmAnImmigrant
Agency: @WeAreSoze
FM Portraits: @shayanhathaway
Getty | @cassidysparrowÂ
