Ellis Island- 125 Years Later

I am not so blinded by my own history that I cannot see, appreciate or understand the complex journeys of others.

What’s happening now was foreshadowed so very long ago but only now some have chosen to wake up. I know this realization doesn’t make today less hurtful, but I find myself wondering how and why the decisions of some are catching up to them now and not sooner.

I have a saying, “better to be late to the party than not there at all.” So to the “new awakeners” (as my friend called them today), I hope you enjoyed your rest, please find a way to get to work.  More importantly, remember this moment, because an issue that you think doesn’t impact you now will eventually wash up on your shores.

To those that are courageously fighting against the dizzying pace of the actions taken by our new administration I say, thank you. My support may come from a re-tweet, a donation, a phone call or an encouraging word, but understand that I am here, watching with the full understanding that silence is not golden.  We may not use our platforms daily as a means of resistance, but that does not make us any less committed to change.

January marks the 125th anniversary of Ellis Island, and as the month comes to a close amid confusion and discrimination against those seeking refuge within our borders, my thoughts are on the journeys of the millions of immigrants who sacrificed so much of themselves to fight for a better life here.

If you have 15 minutes and an iTunes account, I suggest watching Ellis, a beautiful short film narrated by Robert De Niro and written by Eric Roth.  The piece is directed by the artist JR whose emotional visuals via photography and wheat paste posts are a strong match when combined with Roth’s captivating story.  The cinematography by André Chemetoff captures the quiet loneliness and haunting desperation of a man’s journey to freedom.  Here’s the trailer; the short film is free for download on iTunes.

ELLIS – trailer from SOCIAL ANIMALS on Vimeo.