Local organization raises awareness about refugees

MARQUETTE — On Thursday night, the Oredock Brewing Company was a place for action, as members of the public, in conjunction with the student led Amnesty International Marquette, stood together with refugees and displaced people.

Participants were able to step into another’s story through music, a silent auction art gallery, and a collection of personal stories during the event entitled Be a Part of the Story. Toiletries were collected at the door to be donated in collaboration with The Freedom House of Detroit. Various ways to get involved were also discussed.

“We also have a table of actions with Amnesty that people can get involved – some of those include writing letters to Congress and the Senators for the executive order banning refugees and certain populations in the U.S.,” said Amnesty International Marquette co-founder, Abigail Austin.

Amnesty International Marquette says they hope to have more events like this in the future to raise awareness. The organization is new, and has been in the Marquette area for only 3 months.