Media Release
Echo Park Community Coalition(EPCC)
August 18, 2008
Contact Person: Arturo P. Garcia
Phone(213)413-4944
Email: epcc_la@hoptmail.com


OUT OF THE SHADOWS- UNDERGROUND UNDERGRADS SPEAKS OUT

Los Angeles- Out of the shadows, they dare speak out and fight for their rights openly.

Four daring so called “ undocumented students” called the “ Underground Undergrads” namely Angelo Mathay, Stephanie Solis, Zeenat Bhamani and Tam Tran speaks out in a Community Forum last August 10th, 2008. at Remy’s on Temple, Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles.

The Forum sponsored by the UCLA Labor Center and Remy’s on Temple Art Gallery featured the UCLA undocumented immigrant students who told their stories on how undocumented students get by and their problems about their situation.

They also featured a film “Lost and Found” with Stephanie Solis explaining about the film she made about her plight as an undocumented immigrant student. A lively Q and A portion quickly followed.

The welcome remarks was given by Joselyn Geaga-Rosenhal, the owner of the Gallery and the guest speaker Hon. Assemblyperson Mike Eng of the 49th District gave his support to this worthy cause.

Elaine Dolalas and Mike Nailat with Paolo Espiritu also supported the students and called for more actions and called others to join their organization, the Filipino Americans For Immigration Reform (FAIR). Marshal Wong acted as the emcee.

UCLA Downtown Labor Center Executive Director Kent Wong closed the program pitched for the book written by the students and called for donations to IDEAS at 220 Westwood Blvd. SAC 106C, Los Angeles, CA.

A reception and the book signing was hosted by Jaime Geaga and Marshall Wong followed the forum.

Checks supporting the undocumented students ae also welcomed at LIBRERIA DEL PUEBLO, the fiscal sponsor of IDEAS.

UCLA Downtown Labor Center Executive Director Kent Wong closed the program pitched for the book written by the students and called for donations to IDEAS at 220 Westwood Blvd. SAC 106C, Los Angeles, CA. Checks supporting the undocumented students are also welcomed at LIBRERIA DEL PUEBLO, the fiscal sponsor of IDEAS.

Hello and thanks for the coverage! My name is Matias and I am a project coordinator with the Underground Undergrads publication team. We have recently launched a blog with stories and commentary from students who need the Dream Act to pass in 2009 in order to complete their education dreams. Please visit us at UNDERGROUND UNDERGRADS: THE JOURNEY Thanks!