The warm summer air was filled with the promise of new beginnings as I started my internship at GCIR as a Dream Summer 2024 fellow. Hi, I'm Raheim, and over the past few weeks I've embarked on a journey that has deepened my understanding of social and political organizational engagement and systems of change. I had no idea how profoundly this fellowship would shape my perspective on philanthropy, the impact of support for pro-immigrant movements, and the power of community support and immigrant leaders. From participating in valuable meetings and webinars to engaging in meaningful research projects, my time at GCIR has been a transformative experience, opening my eyes to the intricate and vital work being done to support immigrant communities.
Time at GCIR and Impact
My time at GCIR this summer has been incredibly impactful. One of the most significant parts of my internship was meeting the team one-on-one and participating in meetings. Learning about the diverse backgrounds and unique paths that led each team member to this moment was truly inspirational. Their passion and commitment to helping immigrant communities motivated me to do my best in this internship and to look forward to my future endeavors. I am grateful to the GCIR staff for being so welcoming and open with me.
Additionally, attending meetings with funders and movement groups and attending GCIR and other webinars has been both educational and enjoyable. Before joining GCIR, I struggled to share my ideas and opinions openly. However, GCIR has given me the environment, space, and confidence to feel comfortable expressing my opinions and sharing my skills. During the webinars, I learned about different organizations' missions, their future goals, and the innovative ways they are meeting the moment. This is far more enlightening than simply reading about these organizations; these experiences have provided me with valuable insights into organizing, power building, and community engagement.
During my time at GCIR, I have been part of several meaningful projects as a member of the programs team. For instance, I conducted research on the lives of immigrants in rural areas, examining their contributions to the community, the challenges they face, and the role of philanthropy and civic engagement in supporting these communities. This project allowed me to expand my research skills and understand the data related to immigrants living in rural areas. As someone who also lives in a rural area in Florida, I found this research particularly relevant.
Working on research that will be used in future events like webinars and luncheons has been an honor. I've seen firsthand a lot of hard work that goes into organizing and hosting webinars, from preliminary research to meeting with potential speakers and organizing with the team. I learned about teamwork and project management. These responsibilities and projects have taught me how to receive feedback, manage time effectively, and develop professional skills that will undoubtedly be beneficial for my future.
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to conduct research for GCIR’s Immigration Timeline, specifically focusing on the history of Migrant Guest Workers from the Caribbean. Caribbean migrant guest workers, the majority of whom have been Black, have played a significant role in the economy and cultural impact of the United States. This project was especially important to me as my own family history intersects with this topic, with some of my relatives having been guest workers. Highlighting their journey, including the hardships they faced and the vital contributions they made to the United States, was a deeply personal and rewarding experience.
There was a noticeable trend in these stories where families working as guest workers rarely spoke about the harassment they faced. Instead, they often emphasized that they were enduring these challenges to ensure their families back home could have a better life. This realization brought into perspective the sacrifices that different immigrants, particularly migrant guest workers who are family members, parents, and loved ones, make to take care of their families.
This research highlighted a universal theme: the lengths to which we, and our families, whether chosen or not, are willing to go for the people we love. This profound sense of sacrifice and dedication is something many of us can relate to, as we strive to support and uplift those we care about and to a larger extent the broader immigrant community.
Additionally, my time at GCIR has provided me with a deeper understanding of the philanthropy ecosystem and its role in advocacy work. Before starting this fellowship, I knew little about philanthropy, but now I have a solid foundation in understanding its complicated past and how organizations like GCIR are driving change within the system.
Through my experience, I've observed that many people are understandably feeling anxious and uncertain about the current political climate and its implications for the future. It is natural to feel worried and nervous. However, I've also learned that our immigrant and refugee communities are incredibly resilient and in need of our support in any way we can offer it. It may be challenging, but turning our fears into action is crucial not just to meeting this moment but for the future.
Writing this blog feels a lot like my new hobby of sending postcards—sharing a snapshot of my experiences and thoughts with others. As I reflect on my time at GCIR, I want to thank you for reading. As I move on to the next step, I will use all the skills and strengths I have gained to pursue my future goals. See you all next time, sending you lots of love and positive energy.
Signing off,
Raheim Grant
Raheim Grant's Bio
Raheim Grant is originally from Jamaica and currently resides in Florida. His hobbies include spending time in nature, skating on his longboard, taking film photographs, sending postcards, and listening to music and audiobooks. Raheim earned his associate degree from Valencia Community College and is now a senior undergraduate at Florida International University, where he is majoring in Natural and Applied Sciences with a minor in Anthropology and a certification in Health Humanities. After completing his undergraduate studies, his next academic goal is to pursue a Master's in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology. He plans to use his knowledge to work, serve, and improve the overall health of every community, especially underserved communities.