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Our 9 month series, New Hampshire's Immigration Story explored just that... the vast history of who came to New Hampshire, when they came, why they came, the challenges they faced once they landed on Granite State soil and the contributions that they brought to our state. The Exchange, Word of Mouth, and our News Department looked at the issue of immigration from its first arrivals to the newest refugees calling New Hampshire home.We saw how immigration affects our economy, health care, education system, culture and our current system of law. We also looked at what's going on in New Hampshire today, as we uncovered the groups, societies and little known people who are making an impact all over the state.Funding for NH's Immigration Story is brought to you in part by: New Hampshire Humanities Council, Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation, The Gertrude Couch Trust0000017a-15d9-d736-a57f-17ff89e10000

Thanksgiving Event in Keene to Focus on Immigration

The Keene Public Library is hosting an immigration-related event Thanksgiving morning. 

Organizer Mohammed Saleh hopes locals will take a moment to step away from their celebrations and reflect on how other families might be separated on this day.

It only made sense to choose Thanksgiving, he said, as a day that recognizes the coexistence of immigrants and natives.

He was inspired to organize the gathering this fall after hearing about Eleazar Lopez Ayala, a New Hampshire man who was detained after living in this country for about 20 years. 

The event, titled “Faith in Humanity,” runs from 10am to noon and will feature music and discussion.

Keene State College Professor Larry Welkowitz, one of the speakers, was moved to postpone his own Thanksgiving festivities so he could be in attendance. Saleh’s vision of bringing neighbors together is a meaningful one, he said. “It’s been a tough year. We’re worried about so many things,” Welkowitz said. “We’re worried about people being civil. We’re worried about moving toward a more punitive society.”

Dottie Morris, Associate Vice President for Institutional Diversity and Equity at Keene State will also speak.

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