Remembering Angela Martin Solomon

By Brenda Bentley

Angela Martin Solomon and I first met at the C2C Dignity Vigils that began in Feb. 2017 and lasted over 3 years. We were fighting to make Bellingham a Sanctuary City but the vigils would evolve to address the H2a Guestworker program and the death of "Guestworker" Honesto Silva Ibarra at Sarbanand Farm in Sumas. 

For over 3 years Angela was present every Monday in front of City Hall. If she missed a vigil I knew she was taking care of herself and would check in to see if she needed anything. In truth she looked after me with her Elderberry syrup and our hilarious FB chats.  Over the years we got to know each other carpooling to Tacoma or Seattle to support other activists. She was a leader in the Indigenous environmental justice movement and I learned that she had been kicked in the kidneys by police at a Seattle protest, causing permanent damage that left her with only one kidney. It's a testament to the brutality of law enforcement but more so to the unflinching bravery and big heart of Angela Martin Solomon. 

We lost a compañera in the movement and I lost a rare friend. It is a blow. Rest in power, Angela. We will not forget you!

In Angela's own words she tells us why she stood in solidarity with brown and black folks at C2C Dignity Vigils:

“I attend Dignity Vigils because I do not agree with what this so-called president is doing. Deporting people! I believe immigrants from other nations belong here. This is Turtle Island. We have NO BORDERS!”