'A Day Without Latina/o's' Breaks Records, Sends Clear Message
Bryan G. Pfeifer, 02.05.2007 00:12
"I stand before you today as a soul whose people have endured the same
inhumane treatment used against you and your people. The same dogs,
chains and whips used against African-Americans to preserve what is
now called a democracy are now transformed into border patrols,
traveling papers and midnight raids," said Craig Oliver, Chair of the Wisconsin State Political Action Committee, who called for Black-Brown unity.
80,000 march on May Day in Milwaukee: Legalization Now!
Taking up over a mile of city blocks over 80,000 immigrants and their
allies marched and then rallied at Veterans Park on May Day 2007.
According to the event's sponsor Voces de la Frontera, a leading
member of the Wisconsin Legalization Coalition, this is the largest
progressive march in Wisconsin history. Other actions took place in
Madison and Racine.
"I bring you greetings from California. The farm workers struggle is
the same struggle of the immigrant rights movement. People take for
granted who picks, processes, and packages their food to get it to our
shelves. We can achieve our goal this year. ¡Si se puede!" said
Ricardo Chavez, a key leader of the United Farm Workers Union and
brother of Cesar Chavez at the main rally.
Starting at the Voces office on the South side where many Latina/o's
reside, the march wound its way down busy National Ave, Water St. and
Milwaukee's main street Wisconsin Ave. Along the route many chanted,
cheered and encouraged the march participants most Latina/o but also
many other multinational participants including those from the Irish
Immigrant Services of Milwaukee.
"This is a critical moment in the civil rights struggle for
immigrants. The people are sending a strong message that we need and
want a law passed this year that will address an outdated and
discriminatory immigration system that is hurting and terrorizing
working class families through raids and the politics of hate," said
Christine Neumann-Ortiz, Voces Director.
Vietnam Veterans of Latin and Central American origin led the march
along with cultural workers and those hoisting the lead banner. The
banner declared, "A Day without Latinos: Statewide Civil Rights March
& Boycott," and listed the demands of the day: Drivers Licenses!, Fair
Legalization Now!; No more raids! No more deaths!; Access to higher
education!; Workers Rights are Human Rights!
As the sea of protesters swelled into Veterans Park holding placards
such as "No human being is illegal!" and "An injury to one is an
injury to all," speakers from the religious community, progressive
community organizations, student and labor organizations including
unions spoke as did a representative from the Wisconsin and Restaurant
and Hotel Association. Over 120 businesses in Wisconsin, most in the
metropolitan Milwaukee area, either shut their businesses for the day
or acceded to the rights of their workers to take the day off for the
march and rally.
Other speakers at the main rally included Utah Philips who was in town
for a May Day concert, and those affected by an August 2006 raid in
Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Craig Oliver, Chair of the Wisconsin State Political Action Committee,
called for Black-Brown unity.
"I stand before you today as a soul whose people have endured the same
inhumane treatment used against you and your people. The same dogs,
chains and whips used against African-Americans to preserve what is
now called a democracy are now transformed into border patrols,
traveling papers and midnight raids," said Oliver.
In a post-event press release, Voces de la Frontera clearly expressed
their will to keep marching with millions of their sisters and
brothers nationwide until their demands are met:
"This massive turn-out on a work-day was a clear statement to Congress
and the President that the immigrant community will not be intimidated
and driven back into the shadows. It is also a clear sign that
momentum continues to grow for fair legalization this year."
Some of the many organizations participating in the day's events were
the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1443, the United
Electrical Workers, SEIU Local 1, Laborers Union Local 113, Latinos
Unidos at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Strive Media &
Guerilla Promotions, International Action Center-Milwaukee, IWW,
Latinos United for Political Action (LUPA), various anarchist groups,
Latin America Solidarity Committee, Milwaukee Bolivarian Circle and
Workers World Party.
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 e-mail:: bgpfeifer@sbcglobal.net
 Homepage:: http://www.maydaymovement.blogspot.com
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