Des Moines Quakers To Host Sanctuary Coalition Founder

DES MOINES, IA — The founder of the Denver Metro Sanctuary Coalition and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2017 will deliver the keynote address at the local centennial celebration of an international Quaker nonprofit organization. Jeanette Vizguerra will headline the American Friends Service Committee’s event Saturday at Grand View University.

Vizguerra, a mother of four, has lived with her family in the U.S. for 20 years and has fought off numerous deportation orders. After spending 86 days in sanctuary in Denver churches earlier this year, she received a stay of deportation until 2019.

“I want you to look into your history, and I want you to learn more about your family,” Vizguerra told the Boulder Weekly. “It’s almost for certain that your ancestors are not from here. And that person immigrated here so that you would have the privilege that you have today. That all started with someone just like me.”

Erica Johnson, who directs AFSC’s immigrant rights work in Iowa, said the group’s centennial celebration is a chance to look back at 100 years of peace and justice work and look ahead to more. “We believe that families should remain together,” Johnson said. “We all belong here, and we’ll continue to defend each other.”

The event will be held at the Student Center of Grand View University, East 14th and Morton Avenue. There is no cost but registration is required.

Sign-in for the event begins at 2:30 p.m., with workshops from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be served, and the plenary session will begin at 6 p.m. Other speakers will include new AFSC General Secretary Joyce Ajlouny, and Erica Johnson, who will present community leader awards to Isabel Conn and Fabiola Schirrmeister.

Undocumented immigrant and activist Jeanette Vizguerra addresses supporters and the media while seeking sanctuary at a church in Denver, Colo., earlier this year. Photo by Marc Piscotty/Getty Images