There is much immigrants can relate to in MLK’s teachings 

Many of the immigrant and refugees who now call Maine home experienced many challenges in their countries of origin, in refugee camps, and now, here in the U.S. On this important day marked by the courage and dignity of Dr. Martin Luther King, we are empowering children and their parents to participate in our democracy and to speak up.
When they see bullying or harassment, speak up. When they see injustice, take a stand. Address hatred through action but through kindness.
Together we can make our city, state and country a safe and welcoming place for immigrants and refugees and for all those with whom we share our community. But we all must take part in that vision. We must find ways to work together.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is quoted as saying: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Monday, Jan, 15, commemorates what would have been the 89th birthday of one of this country’s most important civil rights leaders. Dr. Martin Luther King, lived a life of service to others, bringing to light the stark inequities that many Americans were facing. Sadly, many continue to battle against the same problems Dr. King lost his life fighting.
Maine Immigrant & Refugee Services will host events and classes at our office at 256 Bartlett St., Lewiston, and at Longley Elementary School to memorialize Dr. King’s legacy and to celebrate his life of service to others.
Since MLK Day in 2014, MEIRS has partnered with Gould Academy to enlist volunteers to work with children and parents on a variety of programs and activities that will build unity between the immigrant and refugee population of Lewiston and the traditional Maine community.
The events at our Bartlett Street office will include sewing workshops, English conversation classes, mock job interviews and citizenship classes for adults. At Longley Elementary, we will host arts and crafts activities, soccer, basketball, and cross-country clinics, as well as a soccer tournament for youth.
These free activities take place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and include lunch. The goal is to motivate our community members to become engaged, to share their time and talents through volunteerism, and to stand up and participate in civic activities.
Maine Immigrant & Refugee Services provides programs and services to youth and their families. MEIRS has partnered with both national and local organizations to educate and empower parents and youth as they establish strong roots in Maine.

Rilwan Osman is a native of Somalia who came to the United States from refugee camps in Keyna. He  is the executive director at Lewiston’s Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services. He is a leader in the immigrant community, having helped create homework programs, mentoring and soccer teams for students, language and citizenship classes for adults, and an annual forum to help immigrants understand the legal system.