Watch the full version of President Obamas speech from Nashville here: https://youtube/watch?v=8Bbd9OzZ15Q. Also, check out the full quote from the President on our work: [L]et me close with the story of somebody who is working to bring people together. David Lubell, who many of you know, and whos here today….So David used to run the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. And he knew that some folks were skeptical about immigrants changing the face of Nashville. And he also knew though that these immigrants were good people. So he saw an opportunity for immigration to unite the city rather than divide it. And in 2005, he started Welcoming Tennessee which connects long-term residents in the community with new immigrants. And youd have dinners and church socials, at Rotary Clubs, and folks got to know each other and maybe feel some empathy, see themselves in new arrivals. And the conversations werent always easy. But it created a foundation of mutual understanding and respect. And today, Davids initiative is expanding across the country [with] efforts going on in 42 cities around the country. This is what makes America exceptional. That we welcome strivers. We welcome dreamers from all around the world. And it keeps us young and it keeps us invigorated, and it keeps us thriving. And pushing the boundaries of whats possible. And then we all bind ourselves together around similar ideals. A similar creed. And one generation in, suddenly those kids are already Americans. Like everybody else. And we have the same dreams and hopes for them. The same aspirations. If we keep harnessing that potential, theres no limit to what this country can achieve.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:43:24 +0000