People's World Amistad Awards Highlight Unity and Struggle

"United in Struggle for a Better World -- Unidos en La Lucha por un Mundo Mejor," is the theme of this year's People's World Amistad Awards to be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 4:00 pm at the First and Summerfield United Methodist Church, 425 College Street, New Haven.

The event will bring people together from around the state to celebrate the awardees and stand in unity against policies of hate, division and fear that threaten democracy and our future.

It is being held at the church in solidarity with Nelson Pinos who has been living there in sanctuary for one year so as not to be separated from his family under threat of deportation.

The Awards will be presented to three women who are fierce warriors in the forefront demanding workers' and immigrant rights, social justice, peace and equality for a better and sustainable world. They are:

-- Eva Bermudez Zimmerman, first Latina candidate for state wide office in Connecticut and SEIU union organizer representing child care workers.

-- Shelley Davis, president of the Hartford Labor Coalition and AFT Paraeducators who is a leader for the rights of public sector union members and the people they serve, especially the youth.

-- Louise Simmons, acclaimed social work educator and labor-community social justice activist who was a City Councilperson in Hartford (People for Change Party), and has led many racial and economic justice organizations including chairing the board of Connecticut Center for a New Economy.

Special recognition will be given to Chaz Carmon, director of Ice the Beef Youth, for his extraordinary talent and dedication to provide opportunities for young people in the performing arts.

Performances will be offered by Son Jarocho, Ice the Beef and St. Lukes Steel Band.

Following the program a reception / community potluck will be held in the church to raise funds for Nelson and his family. Those attending are invited to bring a dish if they like.

The annual Awards are presented to allies by the Connecticut People's World Committee on the occasion of the 99th anniversary of the Communist Party USA.

The event page on Face Book is named "People's World Amistad Awards 2018" For more information e-mail to: ct-pww@pobox.com