Solidarity Summit Inspires Organizing

 

by Jahnal Henderson

Over a thousand people from New Haven and across Connecticut gathered at Trinity Temple for a Solidarity Summit convened by the three Unite Here locals at Yale, the hospitality workers local and New Haven Rising, a community organization for racial, economic and social justice. Present were New Haven’s alders, state legislators and several Connecticut constitutional officers.

The large crowd was greeted with an enthusiastic welcome from Rev. Scott Marks, who emphasized the importance of organizing in solidarity to fight against the Trump administration federal policies that benefit the rich and not the working people. 

Rev. Marks also called for continuing protest for racial and economic justice, good union jobs, safe affordable housing, and economic opportunities to create a better future for all, especially the youth.

“It feels like a boom is happening in this city,” shouted Rev. Scott Marks to the crowd, “But my question is: It’s a boom for whom?”

Union leaders and members addressed the standing room only audience, emphasizing the importance of unity and the fight for better wages and respect and for Yale to increase its financial contributions to the city. Omni hotel workers Local 217 recalled settling a contract last September after hard-fought negotiations and strike, while Local 33 gtaduate teachers celebrated their union contract after 30 years of retaliation from Yale University.

Jennifer Chona, Ward 4 co-chair, shared her concerns about protections for undocumented immigrants and Mareika Phillips, of New Haven Rising, said she and her loved ones have been used as “a tool for hate and division” calling for protections for LGBTQ communities. Jewell McKiever also speaking for New Haven Rising emphasized how organizing can bring change.

The overflow audience that filled the sanctuary and foyer of the church was inspired by the powerful words of keynote speaker Gwen Mills, national president of UNITE HERE, who said, “We need to turn handwringing into fist-pumping. Turn worrying into work. And fear into power!”

Two priorities of the Summit included a new effort to push Yale to finance a “People’s Endowment,” and passing state Senate Bill 8 to make striking workers eligible for unemployment benefits. “Right here at home,” Mills said, “we’ve got to pass SB-8, mobilize this city for affordable housing, and insist that Yale settles fair contracts and redistributes money in the City of New Haven to level the playing field once and for all.”