Last night, more than 50 community members gathered at Fisher Hall 138 on the Michigan Tech campus for the Know Your Rights event, organized through the collaboration of five local organizations, including the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program.
The presentation focused on building awareness—both for citizens and non-citizens—about their rights and the steps to take if approached by an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent. Far from being a fear-based conversation, the program emphasized preparedness, empowerment, and community support.
Participants learned practical information about what documents to carry, how to respond respectfully and legally in difficult situations, and where to find trustworthy resources.
For those who were unable to attend, the materials shared during the event are available here. We encourage our Elaine Bacon Literacy Program community, as well as friends and family, to review these resources and share them widely.
Events like this remind us that knowledge is a powerful tool in protecting dignity and safety. Together, we can foster a more informed, compassionate, and resilient community.
A bit of trivia! At the close of the presentation, a special moment took place: Puti was approached by Gibryn Arney, who said, “I love your presentation and I am Elaine Bacon’s great-granddaughter.” Gibryn is also a talented musician, and you can listen to her music here.
Elaine Bacon Literacy Program 