Navarro to Speak at Forum on Central American Children Aug. 14

Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro on Thursday, Aug. 14, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., will participate in a forum sponsored by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and other institutions on the “State of Central American Children Fleeing Violence Crisis.” The forum, which will be held from 12 noon to 2 p.m., will provide an inside view of the crisis for members of the media and for national and local leaders.

The program is part of HHF’s READ (Refugee Enrichment And Development) Project, which is centered on non-political, non-partisan and non-immigration reform. The program will include testimonials from a mother and from children who have entered the U.S. due to violence in their countries. Jose Antonio Tijerino of HHF will provide the opening remarks at the forum.

Councilmember Navarro will participate in a discussion relating the responses to the crisis from various entities. She will talk about Montgomery County’s response. Other speakers in the discussion will include Maria Martinez, Commissioner for Gov. Martin O’Malley’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs, regarding a state response. Christian Cornejo of Mary’s Center will provide the response from a health community’s perspective. Consultant Aryah Somers will provide a legal perspective. An education perspective will be provided by Harlyn Pacheco of Qlovi Education.

On July 29, the Montgomery County Council held a briefing on the humanitarian crisis at the request of Councilmember Nancy Navarro.

“It was important to have this briefing before the beginning of the school year to understand the scope of the issue and learn about how our school system and the County will respond to the needs of these children,” said Councilmember Navarro. “I am happy to be part of this briefing to share the local government perspective and the implications for jurisdictions like Montgomery County.”