July, 29 2010, 11:39am EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Opal Tometi, Puente Movement. 602.349.1073
Marco Loera, NDLON. 626.390.6986
Social Media Plays Integral Role in Growing Anti-SB1070 Movement
Twitter and Facebook users find ways to Engage Movement Online
PHOENIX
The growing movement for migrant rights, and indeed the restoration of democracy and political equality in Arizona, is now viral with the use of Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and a variety of other social media networks. Groups such as the Puente Movement and the National Day Labor Organizing Network have taken to using social media to engage community members, volunteers and alert the press.
The Puente Movement and the National Day Labor Organizing Network are asking that if people want to know the latest information about activities surrounding the growing opposition to SB 1070 they should follow their twitter accounts (@PuenteAZ and @NDLON). Other Twitterers 4 Justicia include: @mrdaveyd @thinkmexican @detentionwatch @newman_chris @theSoundStrike @willcoley @4onelove @opalayo @izofice @kyledeb @trail2010 @BstandsforB @ lafronteratimes.
Opal Tometi, of Arizona's PUENTE movement, recalls how Twitter was used as a dialogue between Phoenix activists and rap superstar, Talib Kweli, who denounced 1070 as the result of communication with his fans on twitter. According to Tometi, "SB 1070 was intended to silence the voices of immigrants and communities of color, but Twitter has served as a vehicle for communication, a space for non-violent resistance, and a platform for liberation."
As the days and months unfold, news and media will continue to break on social networking sites such as Twitter. The two groups have launched the Alto Arizona campaign and have made the Twitter hashtag #AltoArizona viral and have thousands of Facebook Fans. They intend to use this hashtag throughout the day of July 29 th for the various events they have planned. They will also use the hashtag #SB1070 to document the growing conversation around SB 1070's implementation and resistance.
Relevant Links:
www.altoarizona.com
www.twitter.com/puenteaz
www.twitter.com/ndlon
www.youtube.com/puenteaz
www.flickr.com/photos/puenteaz
www.facebook.com/puenteaz
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