This program provides an overview of the history of immigration in Maine. Yearning to Breathe Free begins with the arrival of the Europeans to what would become Maine and moves through the subsequent waves of French-Canadian, Irish, Swedish, Lebanese, Armenian, Chinese, and East Asian immigrants. Not all immigration to Maine was voluntary, however, and the presentation discusses the importation of African slaves into the state. Yearning To Breathe Free takes a deep look at the tension between the state’s need for labor and its recruitment of immigrants to fill that need and the suspicion, discrimination, prejudice and hatred that accompanied immigration. The program ends with a discussion of contemporary immigration to Maine, noting that, in contrast to earlier times, most immigrants coming into the state today are coming as refugees.

“Alexandra Magnaud is an educator for the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine (HHRC). She does educational programming for students, educators and community members throughout the state, both at schools and at their center, the Michael Klahr Center, located on the UMA campus at Augusta. The mission of the HHRC is to promote universal respect for human rights through outreach and education. Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other events, past and present, they encourage individuals and communities to reflect and act upon their moral responsibilities to confront prejudice, intolerance and discrimination.”

YORK REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

THURSDAY JANUARY 23, 2025   1-3PM