In the Nō with Morelys of CASA
Video editing: Derek Schmitt
Founded in 1986 CASA was established by activists opposing U.S. interference in Latin America and the funding of military and paramilitary assaults on the communities of Central America. From humble beginnings, CASA has grown to become the largest grassroots immigrant advocacy organization in the Mid-Atlantic region and continues to organize through their large base of lifetime immigrant, Latino, and working class members.
CASA Adelante will celebrate the courage, power, and accomplishments of their 120,000+ immigrant and working class members from over 140 countries across 46 US states. Speakers will include John Ridley, Oscar-winning Screenwriter and Nō Studios Founder; Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore; Chris Van Hollen, Senator of Maryland, CASA Members; and more.
Here, we spoke with Morelys, a CASA member, to learn a bit more about her involvement with CASA.
Interview has been edited for clarity
How did you first become involved with CASA and why?
I first became involved with CASA through the Mi Espacio program, which was an afterschool program that I used to go to. They used to help me with my homework and things like that, but then later on I started to get invited to these events and I realized that this was something that I’ve always been interested in, but I never knew where to start. That program specifically was the one that opened the doors for me. I’m also super thankful about that program because they helped me find out how I should go to college, and how undocumented immigrants are able to go to college. Right now I am preparing to move to campus in August, and it was all thanks to that program from CASA.
That’s a beautiful story. Where are you going to university?
I’m going to the University of Morgan state in Baltimore.
Amazing, so not too far — that’s fabulous. What does it mean to you to be a CASA member?
Me being a CASA member is to be a part of a community – A community that I love, that I feel accepted in, that I feel that listens to my voice, that I feel that I’m not the only one. Being a member of CASA really just means being part of a community that loves me.
That feels like a warm hug, what you just said. I love that. Thank you
Tune in and take part in CASA Adelante! on Wednesday, October 20th.
