At the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel connected with families of detainees, offering comfort through song and advocacy amid reports of harsh conditions inside the facility.
- Ms. Rachel visited families outside Delaney Hall detention center.
- Children sang a song created with detained kids to amplify their voices.
- The community raised funds to support one family’s urgent needs.
What happened
Recently, protesters have gathered outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark to support detainees who have reported medical neglect, poor food conditions, and overcrowding. Among those standing in solidarity was Ms. Rachel, a children’s entertainer who visited the site to meet with families and children of those detained. During her visit, she spent time with kids and their families in a space known as the 'Radical Hospitality Zone,' listening to their stories and offering comfort.
The facility, operated by the for-profit Geo Group, has recently seen a hunger strike by detainees demanding better treatment. Ms. Rachel brought attention to the trauma these children are enduring by singing a protest song co-written with children held at another detention center. Her presence and actions exemplify a creative and compassionate form of activism that highlights the human impact of immigration enforcement practices.
Why it feels good
Ms. Rachel’s visit gives a human face to a complex and often distressing issue, reminding us that behind every detention case are families and children longing for safety and normal childhood experiences. Her ability to connect with children and offer a sense of normalcy through music and play brings hope to families who are enduring uncertainty and separation.
Her advocacy also fosters a sense of community kindness and collective responsibility. By sharing stories and encouraging others to sing along and raise awareness through social media campaigns, she amplifies the voices of those who are often unheard, inspiring empathy and action in others.
What to enjoy or watch next
You can join in the movement by participating in the #singthemhome campaign, where people around the world are recording themselves singing the song Ms. Rachel performed with children. The song, created with young detainees and the Peace Poets, is a call for freedom and love that resonates beyond the detention center walls.
For those interested in learning more, stay tuned for reports and stories from advocacy groups like the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. Watching their continued efforts and community support initiatives provides a hopeful outlook on how grassroots kindness and activism can bring about change. Plus, exploring the history of protest music in immigrant rights movements can deepen understanding and inspire further involvement.