This community event is open to the public and free of charge. The conversation begins with a panel of physicians and faith leaders and focuses on the deprivations children in detention face, beginning with the conditions from which they flee, through the harrowing journey, and finally ending with the devastation of incarceration or deportation. How are these policies affecting the physical, mental health of both the children being targeted and the health of our communities where these things are happening? How are different faith traditions interpreting these events with respect to their own morals, beliefs, practices, and texts? The panel will be immediately followed by optional small group discussions for members of the audience who want to discuss the issues and explore ways to take action. Physicians in attendance will have the unique choice to plug into detention work and forensic evaluations with Physicians for Human Rights or to participate in the interdisciplinary groups open to all. This event is a great opportunity to educate yourself and others who may be interested but unaware about the scope of this problem.
Panelists
Dr. Padma Swamy , Physician . A pediatrician, Dr. Swamy also serves on the Immigrant and Refugee Health Committee for Doctors For Change, a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of Houstonians.
Dr. Seema Jilani , Physician and Freelance Journalist . As a pediatrician, Dr. Jilani has cared for children in the United States, Afghanistan, Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan, Lebanon, Egypt and the Balkans. Her work as a journalist focuses on the plight of vulnerable populations around the world.
Dr. Ranit Mishori , Physician and Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine. Dr. Mishori also serves as a consultant for The World Bank and for Physicians for Human Rights.
Laura Mayo , Baptist Minister. Laura Mayo serves as the Senior Minister of Covenant Church in Houston, Texas. She is a graduate of Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee and Wake Forest University Divinity School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and has authored several articles for Houston Chronicle.
Daniel Hernandez , Imam and Director of the Pearland Islamic Center. One of the few Hispanic American Imams in the United States, Imam Daniel Hernandez has been involved in Volunteer Prison Chaplaincy, Interfaith Programs, and has led opening Invocation for the City of Houston.
Ronnie Lister , Reverend and co-founder of The International Center for Spiritual and Social Activism . Reverend Ronnie Lister is an advocate for increasing minimum wage, comprehensive immigration reform, healthcare as a human right, and interfaith dialogue.
Moderator
Anne Chandler , Executive Director of Tahirih Justice Center’s Houston Office . Tahirih Justice Center is a national, nonprofit organization that provides free legal and social services to immigrant women and girls fleeing violence in the Greater Houston and Galveston area. Prior to joining Tahirih in 2009, Anne served as a clinical professor for the University of Houston Law Center.
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