We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who travelled to Washington D.C. for the National DREAM graduation today, and for all the locals who showed up to support us. 17 states showed up and the Luther Church of Reformation was packed with over 500 undocumented youth in caps and gowns.

The graduation was short, powerful and sweet. Dulce Guerrero and Cynthia Martinez did wonders MC-ing the event. Marco Saavedra from Ohio owned the room with his powerful rendition of Langston Hughes. I gave the commencement address, giving the undocumented youth in the room a laundry list of all the things they can expect as part of the movement. Alejandra Pimentel, a mother fighting her son’s deportation, shared some great words with us, telling us that her dream was our success and that we should never give up. Little J shared the poem he wrote for Michelle Obama that he couldn’t share it with her because he lacked a social security number. Alicia Torres had a vital message for everyone in the movement to nurture themselves so that they could be a source of positive energy. Even YOLO made it to the graduation, thanks to Vicko Alvaro from USAS.

Apologies for omitting anyone. Please send us your videos, photos, speeches and even your comments regarding the event. Again, this graduation would not have been possible without you and our sponsors so thank you!

Press Coverage

• New York Times Blog: A Graduation and A Dream of Young Illegal Immigrants
• The Examiner: DreamActivists Lobby for Permanent Status
• Fox News Latino: Despite New Obama Policy, DREAMers March on Washington