America's Voice Blog

Posted 07/28/09 at 01:13pm

Check out the America’s Voice - Netroots Nation Immigration Blogger Scholar Winners!

ComputerAmerica's Voice is pleased to send eight very talented people to the fourth annual Netroots Nation conference scheduled to happen this year in Pittsburgh from August 13 - 16, awarding them the opportunity to participate in four days of insightful panels, training sessions and networking opportunities, and the opportunity to share their unique perspectives on immigration with the larger progressive community.

So Congratulations, Netroots Scholars! For our readers, a brief introduction:

Nezua

Nezua is an artist and writer who publishes  www.theunapologeticmexican.org/elmachete as well as writes for the Media Consortium at http://www.themediaconsortium.org/author/nezua/. He is passionate about the human rights abuses surrounding the immigration issue and his writing has appeared in many places, from La Opinion to Nuestra Voice to Alternet. He describes himself as "Warrior meets Jester" and has the bells to prove it. When he's not writing about immigration, he draws, paints, plays/composes/records music, and spends time with his daughters. He also enjoys freshly ground coffee from Guatemala - or thereabouts. Nezua is a Commonweal Institute Fellow.

Maegan Ortiz

Maegan Ortiz, who writes for www.vivirlatino.com as "La Mamita Mala", has 15 years of grassroots organizing experience working in the racial justice movement, with deep experience in new media, particularly focusing on issues affecting Latina women. She describes herself as a "radical, mami and artista," and hopes that her work provides immigrant communities with the resources and networks that would enable them to speak to wider audiences, helping them build a stronger community.

Annabel Park

Annabel's video blog, www.youtube.com/9500liberty, documents the immigration battle in Prince William County, Virginia and is considered a breakthrough in new media activism. Previously, Annabel produced a YouTube channel in support of Obama, featuring the music video "Si Se Puede Cambiar."  In 2007, she coordinated the historic Asian-American grassroots campaign for H.Res.121, the "comfort women" resolution, addressing the trafficking of girls into sexual slavery by the Japanese Army during WWII. She is currently finishing a feature-length documentary version of the story, "9500 Liberty," and will also be presenting on Keith Kamisugi's panel at Netroots Nation: http://netrootsnation.org/node/1137

Margaret Haule

Margaret Haule, who writes for www.TheAustinTimes.com and www.LesWeForget.Blogspot.com, is passionate about writing on the subject of deportation, noting that it is many of those stories that remain "untold." She describes herself as creative and resourceful, and as "not only a victim, but a survivor...not only a writer, but a media activist. I not only blog about my experiences, but I am involved in grassroots activism and helping those who are refugees and/or immigrants."

Piash Ahamed

Piash Ahamd writes for www.dreamactivist.org, and www.change.org, and believes that the debate over illegal immigration needs to be escalated through focus on the exploitation of immigrants by businesses, as well as the ongoing health care debate regarding immigrants - both legal and undocumented. Piash describes himself as "passionate, honest, and outgoing." He currently works with other immigrant bloggers to raise awareness about immigration issues, and more specifically with regards to the Dream Act.

Erin Rosa

Erin Rosa writes for www.gabacha.com, and feels that providing a path to citizenship for the millions of undocumented people living in the U.S. will ultimately change the country for the better, stating that "The United States has always had an important tradition of immigration. Most of the time it was riddled with hardship, oppression and sacrifice. It's time to realize that our country is stronger today because of those sacrifices, and that our disastrous and confusing immigration system needs to be reformed." Erin describes herself as "En la lucha" and has a background in journalism. She enjoys reading and writing in her spare time.

Affad Shaikh

Affad Shaikh writes for www.affadshaikh.blogspot.com and www.muslamics.blogspot.com, and has been blogging on Muslims in the United States, hoping "to bring the Muslim voice into the mainstream and raise awareness among Muslims about issues." He states that his faith is key in defining his perspective, and being the son of immigrants, he has a deep commitment to the spirit of the law that promotes justice and equality for all. He is currently involved with empowering American Muslims and is passionate about civil rights advocacy. He describes himself as "independent, spiritual, and social," and enjoys "normal extremist activities" such as surfing, blogging, reading, and listening to music while watching TV.

Michael O'Neill

Michael O'Neill writes for the Long Island Immigrant Allliance at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LongIslandImmigrantAlliance.  Having lived in South Mountain, Arizona with immigrants as neighbors, Michael developed a deep interest in a culture he felt was rich and intriguing, but was also exposed to the injustice with which many were treated.  Michael describes himself as "searching, sorrowful and yearning," and strongly feels that fighting for comprehensive immigration reform is part of his "progressive duty."

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