Latino Students in Philadelphia Reveal Fears About Immigration With Comics

Fear and anxiety has increased in immigrant communities since the 2016 presidential campaign and election won by Donald Trump. Nora Litz—an artist, writer and activist from Mexico City—wanted to help Latino children articulate their feelings, Bright reports.

The students from undocumented families of Mexican descent expressed themselves at an “Illustrated Migration Stories” workshop in Philadelphia using comics.

Andrea Gurwitt, the editor of Bright, writes:

The kids, ages seven to 15, are all too aware of the immigration controversy swirling around the adult world above them, and of President Trump’s hard-line stance. And while some kids did illustrate their journey from Mexico to the U.S., many others told the story of what’s happening in their homes right now.

“A lot of it was the drama of being told by their parents, ‘If someone comes to the door, don’t answer it,’ or about the preparations being made. ‘If we don’t come home, who do you call?’ ” said Tim Whitaker, founder of Mighty Writers, the nonprofit organization that offered the program. Mighty Writers’ goal is to help kids learn how to think and write clearly.

About 30 kids participated in the free seven-week program. See samples of their work below.

The Mighty Writers’ comics class returns on July 11 in Philadelphia.

—Posted by Eric Ortiz

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