By Brandi Fowler

As I’ve reported on various stories for NEWS 21, the same question keeps popping into my mind: How can you expect change to happen if you don’t speak up and let people know what has happened to you?

I have encountered so many people, too many people, who have revealed stories about people they know who have been harassed by the government, spied on by the government, who have been mistreated by the government simply because of the way they look, or the religion they practice. And yet—none of them will come forward.

I come from a public policy background and so I know that the media has the power to set the political agenda. But how can I or any other journalist bring attention to your issues, if you won’t talk about it? How can anything ever change if you remain silent?

Who will be that courageous person who takes a stand? Who will believe us when we say we can protect your identity?

Furthermore, what else can we possibly do as journalists to ensure immigrants—undocumented and documented– that we have their best interests in mind?

It frustrates me when I attend a rally or a meeting, where people are protesting impending immigration laws, but won’t talk to me about why they are protesting.

Aren’t you protesting to get your voices heard? Can’t I help you?

The reality of the situation is if people continue to remain silent, nothing will ever change. Because if there isn’t a striking personal story to tell within the realm of immigration, the interest in it will fade away.