People's World Amistad Awards Inspire Commitment to Make Good Trouble

Headlined “MAKING GOOD TROUBLE Together We Rise for a Hopeful Future,” the 2021 People's World Amistad Awards left participants inspired and ready to fight together for justice. The virtual event, broadcast from New Haven, exemplified united front organizing to defend workers rights and win transformational policies for equity, planet and peace.

Large, framed awards were presented to three tireless working class leaders: State Senator Julie Kushner, Pastor Rodney Wade and fast food worker Azucena Santiago.

Video presentations of victories in 2021 included the union contract fight at Yale, the fight by AFT to maintain maternity services at Windham Hospital, the SEIU 1199 strike at Sunrise Inc. as well as highlights from the thick program book of greetings from across the state.

In a special guest appearance U S Senator Richard Blumenthal presented certificates to each awardee, stressing the need for unity to save democracy, get Senate action for voting rights,end the filibuster, and get out the vote in 2022..

Jazz trio AFRO-ALGONQUIN performed a beautiful blend of Afro-American and Indigenous congo and funk at the beginning and end of the program. Camila Guiza- Chavez performed a song for Cuba.

Hosted on the occasion of the 102^nd anniversary of the Communist Party USA, virtual tributes by six labor leaders appreciated the Connecticut CPUSA's work in organizing drives, strikes, and strategies to end systemic racism and put people, peace and planet before profits. Well wishes to Art Perlo, courageously battling cancer, were highlighted in a tribute to him as founding member of Local 34 Unite Here at Yale, leader with the Yale Workers Club and state and national committees of the CPUSA

State Senator Julie Kushner said the “deep bonds will never go away” from her years of union organizing. She was recognized for transformational leadership organizing women, diversifying the UAW, and as state senator leading successful efforts for paid family and medical leave and $15 an hour with her Labor co-chair Rep Robyn Porter.

Pastor Rodney Wade, senior pastor of Long Hill Bible Church in Waterbury was recognized for his leadership in the Recovery For All campaign of union, community and clergy pushing for higher wages, increased taxes on the wealthy and more social services in response to the pandemic. Decrying existing inequalities and racism he exclaimed the recovery must be for ALL.

Azucena Santiago, a single mother of two organizing her fellow fast food workers on Connecticut's highway rest stops with 32BJ, accepted the award in Spanish. Her courage was celebrated for standing up against McDonald's franchise owners for $15 and the right to a union, winning back pay from her employer after going to the NLRB.