Wanllan Mi Wanlle

A Night That Reminded Us Why Community Matters

Our July 29 Community Mixer brought together dozens of community members, friends, neighbors, allies, and partners for an evening of connection, celebration, and meaningful conversation at Jalsa, an Indian restaurant on Coney Island. Guests enjoyed a delicious mix of Indian and Guinean cuisine while reconnecting with familiar faces and welcoming new ones into the WMW community.

Several moments made the evening especially memorable.

One of the most moving was the attendance of a young man from Guinea, whom we'll refer to by his initials, TAB. Earlier this year, TAB had been detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In early June, his uncle learned about Wanllan Mi Wanlle and came to our office seeking help.

As luck would have it, that was the same day that Rebecca Press, Senior Attorney with Co-Counsel and a longtime strategic partner of WMW, was at our office for her monthly legal consultations. After speaking with TAB's uncle, Rebecca agreed to take on the case. WMW immediately gathered and organized all of TAB's records and supporting documents, allowing Rebecca and her team to move quickly.

By late July, we received wonderful news. A judge in California agreed with the attorneys that TAB's detention was unlawful, and he was released from ICE custody.

Seeing TAB walk into the Community Mixer was an emotional moment for everyone. He traveled from his home in the Bronx because he wanted to personally thank everyone at WMW who had supported him throughout his ordeal. It was also the first time Rebecca had the opportunity to meet TAB in person, making the evening even more meaningful for everyone involved. Moments like these remind us why community matters.

Another highlight of the evening was the presence of Christine Valenten, a vibrant 85-year-old who learned about the mixer through one of our longtime supporters, Susan Ruel. Christine arrived wearing a large sun hat, having come directly from a protest at Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark. She wanted to learn more about WMW and the work we do alongside African immigrant communities.

Christine also has a personal connection to West Africa, as her niece is married to a government minister in Sierra Leone. She was genuinely excited to meet our members, hear their stories, and learn about our mission. By the end of the evening, she expressed her desire to stay involved and support WMW however she can.

We were also pleased to welcome several of our valued partners. Rebecca Press and the Co-Counsel team joined us for the evening, along with Bibi and her colleagues, who have assisted many of our members with Medicaid enrollment and health insurance applications. Their presence reflected the collaborative spirit that makes our work possible.

Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to the owner and staff of Jalsa for generously hosting our Community Mixer and helping create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

To everyone who attended, volunteered, partnered with us, or continues to support our mission, thank you. Every conversation, every connection, and every act of kindness helps strengthen our community and reminds us that none of us has to navigate life's challenges alone.