Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) has awarded the grassroots organization Siembra NC its annual “Friend of Education” Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations that have made significant contributions to improving public education in North Carolina.
Since its founding, Siembra NC has worked tirelessly to defend communities from abusive employers and landlords, harmful political agendas, and the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
When reports surfaced of ICE agents operating across North Carolina, the organization mobilized around the clock to protect students, their families, and their communities. Siembra NC conducted statewide trainings to help residents respond to reports and verify ICE activity in their areas. Employers, employees, and customers also benefited from the group’s Fourth Amendment workplace network, which equips businesses with tools to safeguard constitutional rights and deter federal overreach. Their Defense Hotline served as another critical resource, keeping communities informed and prepared. Members additionally patrolled neighborhoods, tracked suspicious vehicles, and alerted residents when ICE was present. Through this coordinated effort, Siembra NC organized communities across the state to counter ICE activity, garnering support from organizations and individuals statewide and nationwide.
Siembra NC also served as a partner and resource for NCAE members, helping our organization navigate the challenges immigration enforcement poses to public school school communities.
“We are proud to award Siembra NC the Friend of Education Award," said NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly. "We applaud their continued work to support and protect our students, their families, and their communities from unlawful attacks by ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as well as harmful political policies. Their efforts are helping create a safer, more equitable North Carolina for all."
