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.