RALEIGH -- If you live in Raleigh, chances are you have seen or will see "Welcome to Raleigh Y'all" signs and stickers popping up around the city.
The signs are part of a larger campaign by Come Out and Show Them, an organization started by two NC residents, Tina Haver Currin and Grayson Haver Currin, dedicated to promoting equality and social justice. The two are behind several other recent initiatives in the state including the Air Horn Orchastra protests at the Executive Mansion and Saturday Chores, a pro-choice counter-protest to the pro-life activists outside of abortion clinics.
According to the organization's website, the "Welcome to Raleigh, Y'all" signs and stickers are meant to spark conversation about "the systems of immigration, deportation, and sanctuary work."
Visit Raleigh partnered with the Currins for the campaign as they say the message fits in with their existing message of inclusion for all.
The signs and stickers have been printed in multiple languages including Spanish, Arabic, Tagalog, French, Russian, German, Greek, Portuguese, Farsi, Icelandic, Chinese, Punjabi, Japanese, Laotian and Hindi, and are meant to encourage a "welcoming, open Raleigh."
The Currins held a launch party in February that raised more than $10,000 to support the initiative and the organizations United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants and Uniting NC.
Durham versions of the sign also exist. The Currins say they hope to expand their signs to include more cities in North Carolina in the future.