As Lexington marks 250 years since its first stand for liberty, we look to a different revolution—one that redefined who could call America home.

The 1965 Hart-Celler Immigration and Nationality Act ended a racist quota system that had excluded immigrants based on race and country of origin. In its wake came waves of new Americans—many from Asia and Africa—who would transform the very fabric of our communities.

Today, over one-third of Lexington residents are foreign-born. Their stories are only possible because of the doors Hart-Celler opened.

But those doors are no longer guaranteed to stay open.

Just last week, a federal court barred Harvard from enrolling new international students—a chilling shift backward that echoes the pre-1965 era. Anti-immigrant rhetoric is rising. Civil rights progress is under threat. The future we fought for is in jeopardy.

Join us for an urgent and community-rooted gathering

Featuring:

  • Sean Osborne – ABCL Historian and co-founder 
  • Sophia Ho – Civic legend, 60-year Lexingtonian, immigration advocate
  • Mark Manasas – Lexington Lyceum co-founder and civic leader 
  • Tom Lin – Lexingtonian, LHS alum, Vision for Lexington Committee
  • Saatvik Ahluwalia – Chair, MA Asian American Commission; LHS alum  

Immigration isn’t just policy. It’s personal. It’s local. It’s American.

Held during #AANHPIHeritageMonth and on the eve of #ImmigrantHeritageMonth, this gathering brings together intergenerational voices, youth-led games, storytelling, historical insight—and shared food—to anchor reflection in lived experience.

Come reflect, engage, and help ensure that the promise of 1965 endures.

Lexington is living proof of what Hart-Celler made possible. Let’s make sure that legacy continues.

#LetItContinueHere #Lex250 #ImmigrationMatters #CivilRights #WeBelongHere #CommunityVoices

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