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Paola Mendoza, co-founder of The Women’s March and an artist, set out to commemorate seven immigrants that died during the pandemic as part of the Immigrants are Essential campaign. The seven New Yorkers: Fedelina, Mario, Moisés, Yimel, Juan, Ofelia and Guadalupe, represent the thousands of undocumented immigrants that passed away from COVID-19 and were illustrated by Paola in celebration of their life. The installation demonstrates that these immigrant New Yorkers are more than just their work by portraying their dreams and life stories. Each portrait is paired with a QR code to give visitors an oral history told by the respective family.
In April, the portraits were displayed in the windows of 477 Broadway as well as the building’s Mercer Street storefront. The Initiative recommends our readers learn more about the campaign on the Essential Immigrants website.
