CINCINNATI - On Wednesday evening, Xavier University held a panel-led discussion entitled "Refugees In Cincinnati: Who Are They, Why Did They Come, What Can We Do?" at Cintas Center. Among the over 100 attendees at the event were representatives of 16 of Xavier's Athletic teams.
The panel, presented by the Legal Aid Society and Volunteer Lawyers Project, focused on the recent influx of children and families from Central American countries. The panelist discussed the circumstances that led to this increase number of people attempting to enter the United States and what happens to this children and families once they arrive.
Grant Parrelli, a Xavier cross country and track and field senior and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President, offered opening remarks before the panel began. As SAAC president, Parrelli said events such as the panel works into the goals of the committee and Xavier University to create well-rounded people. SAAC President Grant Parrelli addresses the group.
"One of the biggest parts of SAAC is expanding the student-athletes' opportunities," said Parrelli. "A lot of times we get stuck in the rut of focusing just on athletics and then just on school. These opportunities allow for more opportunity to serve the community and to provide student-athletes with information on important issues in the real world."
The objective of the panel was to offer a global vision to Xavier students, faculty, staff and extended neighborhood communities regarding the needs of refugees. In addition to learning of the plight of these children and families, attendees also learned what services and resources are available to those in need of assistance and volunteer opportunities, including information on local service providers the Legal Aid Society, the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio and Su Casa, a program of Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio.
"Personally, I have not had much exposure to situations like this," said Parrelli. "I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about what a refugee is, what asylum is, the types of situations they go through. It's just unbelievable."
Among the speakers was 17-year-old Christopher, who, speaking through an interpreter, shared his story of leaving Guatemala with his younger brother to escape gang violence. The pair fled to the United States to reunite with their father and to find a better future. 17-year-old Christopher shares his experiences.
"The most hard-hitting for me was definitely listening to Christopher talk about his experience," said Parrelli. "I feel like situations like that, when numbers are thrown at you or situations are presented on a PowerPoint, you may not take away as much as when you see a first-hand experience, so it definitely brought the point home."
According to Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati, the brothers are on their way to gaining status as Special Immigrant Juveniles.
