On Saturday, 28th November 2015, The Manchester Green Party, organised an evening of food and discussion on Migration to fundraise for Manchester Migrant Solidarity (MiSol) titled You Are Welcome at the Central Methodist Hall, Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JQ .
This event was an open public discussion to strengthen understanding through communication and bring together the people of Manchester to share experiences of crossing the UK’s borders, for work, family, safety or a new life.
In between courses in the packed room, we heard from the following speakers from Manchester Migrant Solidarity who shared personal experiences on The Refugee Crisis and made a case to shut down detention centres in the UK.
Aderonke Apata, Rudo Mwoyoweshumba and Oscar Npoyi.
Laura Bannister, Fallowfield Green Party Candidate, felt it was important to organise this event, ‘We need more opportunities for different community groups to come together and openly discuss issues that affect us all. MiSol’s work in Manchester is essential and I wanted Manchester Green Party to show support in a practical way.’
Other topics discussed were Attitudes towards migration – by Tanzil Chowdury, Law PhD student at University of Manchester. Racism and Islamophobia, past and present by Mohammed Ullah, Muslim chaplain to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.
“This event is a fundraiser for Manchester Migrant Solidarity (MiSol) MISOL is a self-help group that provides mutual support for migrants in our city. A suggested donation of £10 per person, or whatever you can afford, would therefore be very welcome” said Laura.
The evening was rounded up by beautiful songs from amazing MiSol members.
Manchester Migrant Solidarity wishes to express their gratitude to The Manchester Green Party for organising the meal and fundraiser, all of the people of Manchester that attended and their generous donations. Also to the tireless members of MiSol for their great and important work with Migrants and Asylum Seekers in Manchester and across the UK.
Manchester Migrant Solidarity (Manchester MiSol) 