On Saturday in McAllen, Texas, Kerry Kennedy — one of the children of Robert F. Kennedy — kicked off a “24-hour fast chain” in protest against the Trump administration’s (former) zero-tolerance policy. Kennedy and others are upset the policy resulted in the separation of family groups illegally crossing the border, according to a press release from the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights (RFKHR) organization.
The group is also opposed to President Donald Trump’s executive order last week mandating families’ reunification, which they characterize as a move “toward the indefinite detention of families.”
The group added, “This is not only immoral, it is also illegal under U.S. and international law.”
The day-long fasting chain is meant to be passed on from person to person for the next 24 days — ice-bucket challenge style — in honor of the 2,400 children who were temporarily separated from the adults with whom they were traveling when those adults (not all of them parents) illegally entered the country.
Several celebrities, politicians, social activists, and many members of the Kennedy family — including 90-year-old Ethel Kennedy — are participating. Among them are Alec Baldwin, Gina Belafonte, LeVar Burton, Keegan-Michael Key, Joy-Ann Reid, Martin Sheen, Mira Sorvino, Rob Reiner, and Evan Rachel Wood. (No surprise at some of the names here.)
Participants and supporters are using the hashtag #BreakBreadNotFamilies on social media channels.
RFKHR is joined by La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), the Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP), and the open borders advocacy organization Neta in the protest. RFKHR suggests that participants donate what they would have spent on food during their 24-hour hunger strikes to LUPE, TCRP or Neta.
Join our 24-day chain hunger fast! Consider donating what you would spend on food today to @LUPE_rgv, @TXCivilRights & @netargv. 100% of your donations will go directly to these organizations caring for families at the border. #BreakBreadNotFamilies https://t.co/M86Gi301C4 pic.twitter.com/ySPIDzFmfB
— RFK Human Rights (@RFKHumanRights) June 25, 2018
Its part of a prayer ceremony I participated in today to show respect and honor the people suffering. Religions have been doing it for thousands of years. Also its a non violent way to protest and raise awareness. I never claimed it was brave, but it got your attention didnt it? https://t.co/4QdHs8CAPQ
— #EvanRachelWould (@evanrachelwood) June 25, 2018
Ethel Kennedy – active social justice warrior at 90 years old – is planning to join a *hunger fast* to fight for children in internment camps.
Just, wow.#BreakBreadNotFamilies pic.twitter.com/3z3Ez9aUQ0
— Mike Gibbs ?️? (@Mikeggibbs) June 26, 2018
Just two Girls. @KerryKennedyRFK and @lenadunham outside the #Tornillo internment camp, where a huge rally is underway for the dignity and humanity of immigrant families. pic.twitter.com/X2MDAsMnLC
— RFK Human Rights (@RFKHumanRights) June 24, 2018
Michele Blood is a Flemington, New Jersey-based freelance writer and a regular contributor to LifeZette.
(photo credit, homepage and article: YouTube)
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