How to Start from Zero

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IntnlWomensDay-0304.mp3

March 4, 2013

Of the nearly 6 million people who live in Maryland, 13.9% are foreign born, according to the Center for Immigration Studies.  In other words, they’re an international presence in Maryland.  This Friday, the female portion of that group is being celebrated, on International Women’s Day. 

The Creative Alliance is marking the occasion on Thursday night by screening short films showcasing the accomplishments of women around the world.  That includes the film Victory to Change  by Baltimore-based filmmaker Gregory Walsh.  It documents the work of two female Indian activists. It'll be followed by a panel of female activists who work with the international community here.   The event starts at 7:30pm. 

Sheilah talks with two of the women who will be on the panel. Sawsan Al-Sayyab is a native of Iraq. She now lives in Baltimore County, and is a case worker with the International Rescue Committee.  "You really have to get readjusted and start from zero again.  Paying rent, finding housing--every day is a challenge for a case worker, because you're dealing with people.  Sometimes they're hapy, sometimes they're sad, but you have to be there for them."

Sheilah also talks with Aida Pinto-Baquero, originally from Colombia.  She now lives in Baltimore’s Patterson Park neighborhood, and is an organizer with the Latino parent support group Mis Raices. "The idea is to support Latino parents--kind of like [Sawsan] does, but in a different way," she says.   "How to navigate the system, how to know the schools, how to keep their heritage."

You can hear more from both of them at the Creative Alliance on Thursday. Check out their website for more details.

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Responsibility to become an activist.mp3

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Sawsan on arriving in Baltimore.mp3