Retirees Demand Housing Rights

 

There was standing room only at the VFW in Niantic as Trena from Stand-Up New London and Beth from the Center for Housing Equity & Opportunity spoke. Invited by a community of white-haired retirees, the speakers were teaching the elders their civil and political rights because a mega landlord has come to their small town and is upending the community.

The seniors are mobilizing because Alpha Capital Fund bought their complex, cut services, and is raising rent by over 90%. The mostly female occupants of the 60-unit complex are not alone. A multi-generational, multi-racial coalition, from Alpha’s other buildings are standing in solidarity with Niantic’s seniors.

The community discussed a disgusting and discriminatory public statement in which Alpha brazenly said they don't want seniors on fixed incomes living in “their” building, that retired workers aren't their preferred demographic.

Others shared that Alpha's building isn't handicapped accessible, causing wheelchair users to have to wait in the rain until a neighbor comes by to open the door. A child explained that Alpha makes her mother use an app to pay their rent online, even though they don't have computers. Everyone in the room agreed that action was necessary to protect the community.

On August 7, the East Lyme Board of Selectmen will be holding a public hearing on the establishment of a Fair Rent Commission. In response to a demand from the audience that the town “do more doing and less talking,” an elected official explained that the ordinance-drafting and approval process could take several months.

In response, the coalition collectively read the Fair Rent Commission statute and pointed out that the town could immediately join an already-existing Commission in a neighboring town without delay!

Several members explained that Commissions give communities the power to democratically challenge a landlord's demand for money. Several speakers from neighboring communities explained that Commissions in Groton, New London, Clinton, and Willimantic require landlords to open their books, explain their profit rates, and justify their greed.

Beth ended the meeting with a call to action: “We need to value each other over the almighty dollar.” The collective will be at the August 7 hearing at 7:00 pm at the East Lyme Town Hall to demand their government safeguard their human rights.

Edie Bartman Fishman Presente!

 

Activists, union and community leaders, elected officials, neighbors, and friends gathered in Wooster Square Park on a beautiful July 21 afternoon to honor the legacy and life of Edie Fishman, who passed away at 102.

Her lifelong commitment to equality, peace, and social justice was evident in the exhibits of her artwork and numerous lifetime photographs, enjoyed by attendees as they listened to Edie’s favorite working class songs. Her daughter Joelle Fishman, chair of the Connecticut Communist Party, spoke about Edie’s love of life, people, and the struggle for a better world.

Edie’s journey began when she joined the Young Communist League at 14 in Philadelphia and worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” in the shipyard during WWII. She later became a high school art teacher in New Jersey, moving to New Haven in 1995.

New Haven’s mayor Justin Elicker expressed admiration for Edie’s contributions, presenting a plaque. A proclamation from the Board of Alders was presented by Ellen Cupo.. State Senator Gary Winfield and John Olsen, president emeritus of the Connecticut AFL-CIO appreciated Edie's consistent presence at strikes and rallies for social justice.

Clifton Graves Jr., professor of African American history at Gateway Community College said he met Edie at age 95 when she took his class, shared her experiences in the freedom struggle and served as an example with her punctuality. Friends from the Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans spoke of Edie’s quiet yet impactful way of relating to people which rallied everyone to the cause.

Edie’s solidarity with workers at Yale University and elsewhere was highlighted by UNITE HERE Local 34 leaders Ken Suzuki and Barbara Vereen. Vereen recalled how Edie and a friend drove to each picket line during the Stop and Shop strike to play “Solidarity Forever” for the strikers from the car.

Lisa Bergmann and Jahmal Henderson, next generation leaders of the Connecticut Communist Party USA, delivered a statement from the national Communist Party highlighting Edie’s unwavering decades-long commitment also recognizing deceased husband George and son-in-law Art Perlo. Lisa and Jahmal led the crowd in singing “Solidarity Forever” and asked everyone to sign “Stop the Hate and Division” voter pledge cards.

During the open mic, Edie’s caretakers fondly recalled their conversations and well-spent time with her.  A heartfelt poem by Baub Rah Bidon, paid tribute to Edie’s enduring legacy. Her spirit seemed to infuse every person present and every corner of Wooster Square Park. Her life, brimming with love and joy, continues to be the foundation upon which we stand, both today and forever.

Unity needed to stop white supremacist hate crimes

 

On Monday, July 15, State Senator Gary Winfield and his family woke up to find a white supremacist pamphlet pasted on the outside of their home in New Haven's Newhall neighborhood. The hate crime is being investigated.

Winfield is the leading force in the legislature tackling police misconduct, economic inequality, education funding and all issues facing African American communities and all working class people..

In big, bold letters the flier says “Stop White Replacement.” Issued by a group calling itself White Lives Matter it says, “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children.”

This is a throwback to the slaveocracy and the jimcrow segregation system that followed.

The question before our country in the 2024 elections is stark: will we choose a Third Reconstruction founded on equity and raising up everyone, or will be be destroyed by a Second Confederacy?

The dangerous white supremacist agenda of MAGA Republicans is meant to create divisions so that policies can be carried out to dismantle all people serving programs and basic rights. Elimination of SNAP and Social Security will devastate the lives of white and Latino as well as African American families. This agenda only benefits the quest of billionaire corporate executives and military production corporations for total control of our economy and our lives.

As a community we must unequivocally speak up because an injury to one is an injury to all. Every individual and organization has a role to play.

The Connecticut People's World has initiated a voter pledge card to engage community-wide participation. It says: “White supremacy and bigotry have no place in our community and country. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. The best way to honor the people who sacrificed their lives for our rights is to VOTE VOTE VOTE.”

The Stop the Hate and Division voter pledge card says, “It's time to stop all the attacks on working people, the poor, immigrants, people of color, women, LGBTQ and youth! As Trump and his rich friends get richer and the rest of us pay more for everything NOW is the time to organize, register voters and make the change to put People, Peace and Planet before Profits.”

CT AFL CIO Advances Racial and Economic Justice

 

Racial and economic justice was a major theme at the Connecticut AFL CIO political convention which focused on the 2024 elections.

Welcoming the delegates at the Omni Hotel in New Haven, Secretary Treasurer Shellye Davis stressed the importance of mobilizing members and community partners for social and economic justice, as well as supporting candidates who advocate for workers rights in the 2024 elections.

The convention hall was attentive during a panel with Rev Scott Marks, director of New Haven Rising and national writer/activist Bill Fletcher Jr. discussing the “Role of Labor in Fighting for Racial and Economic Justice,” moderated by Stuart Beckford , a leader of the Hartford Federation of Teachers.

Each shared the impact of racial discrimination on their lives. Marks' parents moved to New Haven during the Great Migration seeking a better life, but his father had to work three jobs to make ends meet leaving little chance for family life.

Asked by a delegate, “What should labor do now?” Fletcher immediately replied “Get over the fear of talking about race. The system is rigged. Say that.”

“There is looming fascism in the US. We need demands.” added Fletcher offering a

bigger context. Decrying unequal public education, he called for an amendment to the state constitution to change regressive taxes as the way education is funded.

“Talk with people on the verge of being pushed out,” advised Marks calling on the delegates assembled to prioritize “training and organizing.”

Over box lunches Fletcher led a workshop “Can Collective Bargaining be an Instrument in Opposing Racial Injustice?” He challenged those present to think creatively of what kind of contract provisions could overcome such racial inequities as wage differentials, work assignments and hair styling.

The convention passed Resolution 3 “Racial Justice and the Role of the CT AFL CIO: An Injury to One is an Injury to All.” reaffirming commitment to “speak out against any and all forms of racial and social injustice that impact Connecticut's working class,” and supporting the work of the Racial and Economic Justice Committee.

“Racism is designed to separate people so they can't take on the boss.” said one delegate from the floor. “We can't shy away. We have to stand together,” said another. A delegate from AFSCME summed it up, “This is the ultimate solidarity, it is very important.”

UNITE HERE Convention Celebrates New Haven's Union Victories

 

On June 20th, New Haven union members and community supporters attended the UNITE HERE convention in New York City, which brought in delegates and guests from all over the US and Canada. It was themed “It’s Up to Us - Nuestros,” highlighting US labor’s unique role in advancing our rights and defending them from the far right

Upon arrival, the delegates and guests from Connecticut were tasked with triumphantly flooding the stage to welcome incoming UNITE HERE President Gwen Mills. Mills, a native of New Haven who has since brought her organizing skills to the national level, was greeted by hugs from her New Haven friends and allies.  In 2011 as the Political Director for UNITE HERE in New Haven, Gwen Mills led the effort by New Haven Rising to run union members to win a supermajority on the Board of Alders.

Mills' speech was centered on the importance of generosity in coalition building. She committed to doubling spending on organizing, as well as redoubling efforts to fight MAGA fascism by sending volunteers to knock on doors in key battleground states

In addition to sharing their own accomplishments, the Connecticut group was inspired by the victories of the labor movement across the country. Delegates from Los Angeles celebrated the victories they won for hotel workers across the city as the result of months of striking, including a $35 per hour for hotel room attendants, daily room cleanings, and the Juneteenth holiday.

Los Angeles State Senator María Elena Durazo attended the convention as a former leader of UNITE HERE. She spoke about how the union is increasing the breadth of its struggles, fighting for language justice for workers who often do not speak English well, and bringing forth women leaders.

In Chicago and Philadelphia, union workers highlighted their fight for fair treatment at work as well as at home. UNITE HERE has not only fought for increases in wages, but also funds for union members threatened with eviction. In Hawaii, workers resisted the rising costs of living threatening to push them out of their communities.

As the Connecticut group’s bus departed, New Haven Rising Director Rev. Scott Marks delivered a call to action to bring the spirit of the convention back to New Haven. He thanked all of the coalition members, who returned to New Haven ready to keep fighting.