CSW Explores the Evolution of Immigration at Social Justice Day 2026

The day began with a brief introduction, during which Visual Arts faculty member Tom Evans recognized the completion of a community-created mosaic commemorating 50 years of Michael H. Feldman ’67 Social Justice Day programming at CSW. Now on display in the East Quad, the striking piece centers on a theme of growth, featuring a tree with deep roots that symbolizes the school’s long-standing commitment to social justice education. Hand-painted tiles along the mosaic’s border highlight the 50 topics explored since the event’s founding in 1975.

In his keynote address to the community, Oscar B. Castillo commended the CSW community for regularly dedicating time to explore important issues of social justice, and provided background and context surrounding the inspiration and motivations behind his own work, which documents the experiences of immigrants from around the world, particularly those making the perilous journey from Latin America to the United States. 

For his presentation, Oscar focused on Venezuela, his home country, to illustrate why so many people have been driven to leave in search of a better life. He explored the violence, impunity, and economic collapse that followed the death of Hugo Chávez, which contributed to a mass migration crisis in the region.

He shared photographs he had taken alongside migrants making the treacherous journey north, crossing difficult terrain and risking their lives by climbing aboard cargo trains. Throughout, he emphasized the importance of slowing down, engaging in conversation, and taking the time to see people as individuals, listening to their stories and understanding their experiences.

As he spoke, Oscar made clear that it was not his intention to promote illegal practices, but to shed light on the fact that when life is under threat, laws can become secondary, and that humanity should always come first. He paralleled the troubling times he witnessed in Venezuela, with that which is occurring in the United States today, citing the example of unidentified men detaining people without cause or due process, underscoring the notion that what happened in Venezuela could happen anywhere. This is why, he argued, it is so important to continue talking about and discussing these issues, because “small discussions can grow and expand to make a much larger impact.”

After the keynote, community members branched off into workshops. Members of CSW’s Sustainability Committee led a presentation on how climate change can drive immigration, and immigration lawyer Dayna Lally educated community members on the basics of US Visas. Janet Saied & Erin Ward of Watertown Library’s Project Literacy shared practical strategies for supporting immigrant and multilingual learners, and Dan Hoffer, Political and Legislative Director at SEIU Local 509 walked participants through strategies and tactics related to immigrant advocacy work. Other workshops included, “The Detention Center Named Alligator Alcatraz,” with English Faculty and PACE Chair Jane Reynolds, and “The Constitutional and Legal Evolution of Immigration in the US,” with History Faculty Rachel Hirsch and Anjali Bhatia.