First Tenant's Union Forms in Meriden

Meriden, CT — Tenants of the ten-unit apartment building at 57 Pleasant Street in Meriden have organized to fight back against egregious rent hikes and unfair treatment from their new investment firm-landlord, Alpha Capital Funds. The formation of this tenant union marks yet another expansion of the Alpha Capital division of the Connecticut Tenants Union, adding to existing chapters in New London and Niantic. 

The union is the first of its kind in Meriden. Tenants are taking this critical step after receiving rent increases to the tune of $400-$750 a month, representing increases of 42% to 80%. All nine of the ten units occupied by tenants in the building have organized with their neighbors to advocate for fair and reasonable rent prices and to pursue action with the Meriden Fair Rent Commission. A broad coalition of  labor unions, houses of worship, community members, and political leaders in Meriden are supporting the residents championing fair, safe, and affordable housing. 

As Alpha Capital acquires additional rental properties across the state, more and more tenants are organizing to resist unstable and unaffordable rent increases, forced displacement, negligent property management, and union busting strategies.

Investment firm and corporate landlord Alpha Capital owns at least 400 units across the state of Connecticut. Recently, the firm has grown its Connecticut footprint, buying buildings in Middletown, Waterbury, Meriden, and New Britain. 

The company was also recently sued by the family of an employee, who tragically passed while working on the roof of a building without the proper licensure. In 2024, six employees of the firm falsely posed as tenants before the Connecticut state legislature, testifying against an eviction-protection bill.

The Alpha Capital Division of the Connecticut Tenants Union has repeatedly requested a negotiation meeting with Alpha Capital CEO Tyler Smith. Smith has refused to recognize the union, and has not met with union representatives from any building, despite claims that he “takes resident concerns seriously.” Smith describes himself as a real estate entrepreneur and influencer.

"Health Cuts KIll" Vigil Protests $1 Trillion in Federal Healthcare Cuts

Massive Voter Turnout Urgent: End MAGA Republican Control of US House and Senate

NEW HAVEN – Local activists gathered in New Haven on June 5 to call for accountability from federal elected officials regarding the massive $1 trillion cuts to the nation's healthcare infrastructure. The event at Yale University’s Amistad Park is part of Seven Days in June: HEALTH IS PRIMARY, a nationwide mobilization uniting local advocates, healthcare workers and public figures against federal funding cuts and their devastating impact.

“The loss of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is just the beginning and just the tip of the iceberg. Many of the biggest harms of the ‘big beautiful bill’ haven’t even gone into effect. The plain truth about those who voted for it is this: they do not believe that healthcare is a right or that it should be accessible and affordable for everyone. It’s simply a different way of thinking than we share,” said John Brady, RN, Vice President of AFT Connecticut.

Last year, MAGA Republican Congressional leaders pushed through $1 trillion in health cuts and delayed the most devastating human and economic impact until later this year. The damage is real: 446 hospitals at risk of closing and 51,000 preventable deaths every year.

“Time and again, we have seen the consequences of failing to invest in and protect our most vulnerable communities. Members of our coalition are deeply concerned about what lies ahead as families who have repeatedly been let down by our systems face even greater uncertainty. This is a question of leadership, shared responsibility, and our collective commitment to ensuring that all communities have the opportunity to thrive. The impacts of these decisions will be felt long after the headlines fade unless our state elected officials act now,” said Katherine Villeda, Coalition Director of the HUSKY for Immigrants coalition.

Local groups across the country are organizing town halls, forums, and rallies during this first week in June to demand elected officials go on the record. The New Haven action is spearheaded by UNITE-HERE, Locals 33, 34, 35 and 217 and co-sponsored by a broad coalition of 20 organizations.

It has been left to the states to make up the difference for healthcare and other needs that have been slashed by HR 1.

“We need to challenge our brothers and sisters in the Democratic Party who may not have the courage to tax wealth to make sure that it’s redistributed in healthcare. We need to challenge them to find the courage that healthcare workers, six years ago, faced every single day when they went into work without PPE, taking care of folks during the worst pandemic in a century,” said SEIU Connecticut State Council President Rob Baril.

Participants celebrated “healthcare heroes,” the hard-working people whose skill and compassion are the backbone of this naton's healthcare system. They reaffirmed the centrality of compassion, empathy and service as core values shared by their various community organizations - and expected of their elected leaders.

“We are here at this vigil to grieve tonight, for those who were already lost and those who will be lost. But we shouldn’t push away the righteous anger grief causes. Instead, we need to embrace it and channel it into action - because it’s very clear now they don’t just want us poor, they want us dead. No one is going to swoop in to save us,” said Dave Hannon, President of Connecticut Health Care Associates,

AFSCME District 1199.

The event concluded with a candlelight vigil to honor those already lost and the millions more whose lives are at risk if funding is not restored Events in 75 cities in 33 states amplified the message that health cuts kill, and families across America are already paying the price.

“Healthcare is a human right, and no one should be denied care because of immigration status. The same bills cutting dollars from healthcare is paying for the agents detaining our families. The young people we work with feel both of those at once. They are not bargaining chips, and we are not going to be quiet while their health and their families get traded away,” said Tabitha Sookdeo, Executive

Director of Connecticut Students for a Dream.

The Republican majority stripped more than $1 trillion from Medicaid, the ACA, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) on July 4, 2025, constituting the largest healthcare rollback in American history. Once fully implemented, over 15 million will lose their health coverage.

Participating organizations include: AAUP Yale, AFT Connecticut, Anchor Health, CARE, Connecticut AFL-CIO. Connecticut Citizen Action Group, Connecticut Health Care Associates, AFSCME, Connecticut for All. Connecticut Students for a Dream, Equality Connecticut, Greater Westville Indivisible, HUSKY for Immigrants., New England Health Care Employees Union, SEIU District 1199, New Haven Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 933, New Haven Immigrants Coalition (NHIC), New Haven Peoples Center, New Haven Pride Center. New Haven Rising, SEIU Connecticut State Council, Teamsters Local 443, UNITE-HERE Locals 33, 34, 35 and 217

Unite Here Workers Demand Fair Contracts

Dozens of unionized workers at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Hartford staged a show of force on May 29, marching into their employer’s office and declaring that the vast majority of the hotel’s workforce is prepared to strike if a favorable contract is not reached

Despite running hotels on publicly-owned land and receiving significant support from taxpayer-funded initiatives, the Waterford Group, which owns the Hartford Doubletree, is refusing to agree to a contract that provides similar raises as other union hotels and union food service entities across the state. The workers are demanding a fair contract.

After months of stalled contract negotiations, the members of Unite Here sent a delegation with elected allies to hotel management delivering photos of the workers who have committed to go on strike if they have to, totaling over 80% of the workforce.

In New Haven the week before, during graduation ceremonies at Yale University, clerical and technical workers and service and maintenance workers, members of Unite Here Locals 34 and 35, sent the same message.

Greeting family members of the graduates with postcards saying “Congratulations” on one side, and “We Can't Keep Up,” on the other side, they let the parents and graduates know that Yale University with its $44 billion endowment, is disregarding the workers who enable students to learn and live.

“Yale's endowment gains millions every day while we fight to keep up. We're united to win a great contract! “ says the union.

Many parents, family members and graduates offered supportive comments for the work that the union membes do to enable their education.

The University has been stalling although the contracts expire in January. Meanwhile grievances about layoffs and rising health costs are mounting.

Also in New Haven, all Unite Here CT locals are joining with dozens of other labor, community and immigrant organizations for a national day of action, “Health is Primary! Cuts Kill!” A vigil at Amistad Park, 104 Washington Ave on Friday June 5 at 6 pm will raise awareness of federal health care cuts and call on federal, state and local leaders to protect and expand affordable, accessible health care.

Brian Steinberg, Working Class Champion

 

December 15, 1941 — May 24, 2026

A memorial service will be held for Brian Steinberg on Friday, June 12 at 10am at the Pond House, 1555 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford.

Brian passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 24th, 2026 at the age of 84. Brian lived life loudly in a rhythm of movement and sound, fueled by his involvement in the popular music scene and politics. He was born in Hartford to an Italian mother and Jewish father. His early home life introduced him to politics at a young age. Brian’s father, Hyman, owned a popular West Hartford pizza restaurant called Dino’s, but Hyman’s passion was his involvement in the Communist Party — something he passed down to his son.

As a card-carrying Communist at the height of McCarthyism, Brian’s father was pursued by the US government and found himself on the front page of the paper. Though Hyman’s political affiliation cost the family their house, he maintained his beliefs and the experience only further instilled those values in his son. Brian went on to become a leader in the Communist Party and active member throughout his life.

Brian attended Weaver High School in Hartford and was very active in both student government and his school’s marching band. In his freshman year, Brian started playing tenor sax in an R&B band called the Downbeats. Brian’s brothers Bill and Jim were also members of the band and Hyman was their manager. The Downbeats were CT’s first integrated group and their widespread popularity inspired the state’s two music unions (one Black and one white) to integrate. Though their early gigs were mostly bar mitzvahs and high school dances, the Downbeats eventually gained so much popularity that their concerts brought them to venues across New England and helped finance Brian’s bachelor’s degree at UConn. The Downbeats played back-up for several notable artists when they came through Hartford such as Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Marvellets, The Four Tops, Chuck Berry, and Stevie Wonder.

At UConn, Brian maintained his political leanings and became one of the first left-wing students to run for and win a student government position. The FBI, which wasn’t happy that a Communist student was in power, came to investigate him. He later continued his activism in Mississippi in 1963 when several civil rights workers were killed by the Ku Klux Klan. Brian headed south, joining the movement to register voters. Brian attended the March on Washington in August, 1963 and was honored to hear Reverend Martin Luther King speak. Brian’s political involvement took a deeper dive into academia when he completed his master’s at the University of Wisconsin and his PhD at New York University in political science.

Brian met his wife Merrilee through his sister, Bobbie. Brian and Merrilee shared a love and passion for activism and the pursuit of social justice. Their 30 years together before her death were filled with rallies, political meetings, heated political conversations, and a close-knit group of friends and family. One notable year, their daughter Jane spent Thanksgiving with her grandparents because both Brian and Merrilee were in jail after being arrested at a protest. Merrilee was a labor organizer who rose quickly through the ranks of the union. When Merrilee was offered a top organizing job, Brian turned down a professorship offer at Rutgers University to stay at home with their young daughter, Jane. Brian went on to teach for 47 years at Westfield State University. He taught political science, and ran their award-winning Model United Nations club.

Brian was a beloved teacher in the Communist Party. He was a master of Marxism-Leninism which exposes capitalist exploitation, racism and war, and explains how to build unity to achieve equality and socialism. He dedicated himself to organizing in the multi-racial neighborhoods of Hartford, bringing the People's World to hundreds of families up to his last days. He opened new possibilities for those who wanted to make a better world and built Communist Party clubs throughout the area. His concept of neighborhood organizing with the People's World set a new standard throughout Connecticut and nationally.

Brian later met his partner, Sue Tenorio, through his work on the Hartford police civilian review board. Sue and Brian were together for 10 years before his death.

Brian is survived by his daughter Jane Steinberg and son-in-law Jordan Cahan, grandchildren Sydney and Dashiell Cahan, siblings Jim Steinberg, Bill Steinberg and his wife Karen, as well as his partner, Sue Tenorio. He also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews, and his dog Mookie. He is predeceased by his sister Bobbie Koplowitz and wife Merrilee Milstein.

May Brian’s lifelong fight for justice and equality be an inspiration to all that knew him and beyond.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the CT People’s World Committee, 37 Howe Street, New Haven, CT 06511

Connecticut Expands Access to Democracy

For years, Connecticut has remained one of only a handful of states that required voters to provide a specific excuse to vote mail-in. That reality never reflected how people actually live. Work schedules change. Childcare falls through. Health concerns arise. Transportation can be unreliable.

Now, after more than a decade of organizing, coalition building and testifying, in the midst of growing national attacks on voting rights, Connecticut residents are able to vote in person, by mail and before election day.

With the passage of mail-in voting, Connecticut is finally taking a long-overdue step toward making voting more accessible and reflective of real life. Voters will no longer need to justify why they are requesting an mail-in ballot.

House Bill 5001 waited until late in the legislative session to be called, a reminder of how uncertain even long-advocated-for reforms can be. But sustained advocacy made the difference. From community members showing up to testify, to coordinated advocacy days that brought voices directly to legislators, the momentum built steadily and ultimately carried the bill across the finish line.

This matters because access to democracy should not depend on whether someone can take time off work, arrange childcare, or navigate unnecessary barriers simply to cast a ballot.

And while this victory is significant, we also know the work is not finished. Voters will still need to apply for an mail-in ballot for each election, rather than being able to opt into a more streamlined system. Progress rarely happens overnight, but this moment marks an important shift toward a more accessible democracy in Connecticut.

In addition to allowing Connecticut voters to request a mail-in ballot without needing a specific excuse, House Bill 5001 provides safeguards against ICE agents at polling locations in the event that civil rights are violated.

The bill expands access to voting for people balancing work, caregiving, health needs, and other responsibilities. It modernizes Connecticut’s voting system to align with the majority of states, and helps reduce barriers that have historically impacted low-income voters, Black and brown communities, older adults, and people with disabilities.

Pro-Worker Agenda Won at Legislature

Years of workers organizing at the state legislature delivered one of the strongest pro-worker bills in recent Connecticut history this session. House Bill 5003, a sweeping labor omnibus package, passed with strong bipartisan support, marking a significant step forward for workers’ rights, workplace safety, and fair pay.

Labor Committee chair Sen Julie Kushner said she had been workong on the bill for years. “It took more than six hours of floor debate, but we got it done.” she added.

“This legislative session delivered real, meaningful progress for working people across Connecticut,” said Ed Hawthorne, president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO. “From strengthening workplace protections to extending workers’ compensation benefits, many legislators stood up for the working people of this state.”

Summarizing the 75 sections of the bill, Sen Kushner said it “touches workers across nearly every sector of our economy. Teachers and health care workers who are assaulted on the job will now receive full wage replacement. General contractors will be jointly liable when their subcontractors cheat workers out of wages. Service workers have to be retained on the job when a new contracter comes in. Wage transparency gets stronger. And first responders will have access to tuition assistance and mortgage help so they can afford to live in the communities they serve. Should they lose their lives in service, their families will still have health coverage. “

The bill was signed into law at the offices of SEIU 32 BJ spotlighting service worker retention protections requiring incoming building service contractors to retain existing workers for 90 days. It also calls for a 15-day notice of a switch in employers.

“At 32BJ SEIU, we stand firmly behind the belief that every worker is deserving of just and dignified treatment. Worker Retention Laws protect workers from overnight job termination and unjust losses in their pay, insurance, and benefits.” said Connecticut leader Rochelle Palache.

“Despite the significant progress,” acknowleged Hawthorne, “we’re disappointed in the lack of higher education funding and the lack of truly meaningful worker protections in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” .

CCAG: Know the Facts, Shift the Narrative

Coalitiion building was a hallmark during this session of the Connecticut State Legislature as labor and community and immigrant rights groups allied to “Stand Up Connecticut” against the attacks from the Trump administration on working people.

The long term fight has been for economic and social justice in a state with one of the highest gaps between billionaires and everyone else and the need to tax the rich including the windfall delivered to billionaires by MAGA while cutting healthcare and all services.

The Connecticut For All coalition, CT AFL-CIO, the Immigrants Coalition and the Connecticut Tenants Union all mobilized with significant partial victories for people's needs. The following assessment of the session is from the Connecticut Citizens Action Group, addressing the priorities they mobilized around.

By CCAG

Wednesday night marked the last day of Connecticut’s legislative session for 2026. For many of us, this entire session has felt like emergency triage due to DOGE-damage and the Trump administration. Luckily, many Connecticut legislators and advocates, like you, stepped up to fight back. Connecticut started the year with a massive budget cut from the Federal government leaving families vulnerable to food insecurity, lack of medical care and then soon after skyrocketing prices due to the illegal war of aggression against Iran.  We saw some significant victories, and some disappointments. But the people of the Nutmeg state came together to send a strong message to Washington DC/Mara-Lago that Connecticut will not be held hostage and we will protect our communities.  First and foremost, we want to thank every person who protested, testified, wrote a letter, called their legislator, came to a lobby day or even just shared information this session. It is because of you we have new legislation reigning in the unchecked power of ICE, renewing community solar programs, the implementation of universal absentee voting and so much more.  This session, CCAG was focused on Democracy, Climate & Environment, Healthcare and Private Equity.  The legislature passed a budget which makes adjustments to the spending guardrails and volatility cap, acknowledging the need for us to spend more to meet this moment. We did not see all we wanted, particularly around progressive revenue and in protecting healthcare for more than 200,000 people slated to lose it due to harmful federal cuts - we continue these fights. Along with several legislative victories it did give us something else worth holding onto:  Proof that organized people can still bend power toward the public good. What we won together: Democracy and immigrant protections: SB 397 strengthens accountability for federal law enforcement, including ICE, by allowing residents to sue in state court for violations of their rights. It also protects sensitive places like schools, hospitals, and houses of worship, requires federal agents to show identification, bans masks, and limits license plate reader surveillance. Voting rights: HB 5001 implements no-excuse absentee voting, following Connecticut voters' approval of the constitutional amendment in 2024. The bill also includes a ban on ICE at polling places, a major victory for democracy and voter protection. Healthcare: HB 5127 passed, restricting medical providers from promoting or helping patients sign up for medical credit cards that can trap people in high-interest debt. Key pieces of the healthcare affordability fight also moved forward through the budget, including extended subsidies, guardrail adjustments, and a feasibility study for a Connecticut Option. We again defeated Junk Insurance plans, which would  have placed small businesses at risk. Private equity accountability: Two bills addressing private equity passed both chambers this session. SB 125 requires greater transparency in nursing home ownership, helping expose who is actually profiting from care facilities. SB 196 limits hospital real estate investment trusts, or REIT,arrangements, a financial scheme that can separate hospitals from the land they sit on, drive up costs, and drain resources away from patient care. Together, these bills are important first steps toward stopping private equity and real estate investors from treating healthcare as another extraction site. Climate and environment: HB 5340 expands access to renewable power generation and solar energy, while HB 5334 strengthens protections for riparian areas, the vegetated land near rivers and streams that helps reduce flooding, prevent erosion, protect drinking water, and filter toxins. Economic justice: HB 5003 makes targeted investments in safer and more equitable workplaces, supporting workers, including first responders, veterans, nurses, teachers, and blue-collar workers. What still needs pressure: Connecticut has the resources to do better. We are one of the wealthiest states in the country. No one should go without food, healthcare, safe housing, clean water, or protection from a dangerous climate while billionaires receive massive federal tax cuts. Victories are not the end of the work. They are proof that pressure works. We will keep organizing, keep watching, and keep pushing for a state that meets this moment with the courage our communities deserve.

May Day Highlights Working Class Unity from the Streets to the Polls

 

by Jahmal Henderson

Workers, high school students, and community members filled the New Haven Green for May Day demonstrations calling out corporate greed and demanding stronger protections for workers.

Three rallies were organized by the May Day Strong coalition in Connecticut beginning in Hartford with a protest at Palentir electronics against their collaboration with ICE, and then rallying at the State Capitol celebrating passage of a major labor bill that day.

In the afternoon in New Haven many stopped by a host of information tables including the Connecticut People’s World to learn more about the issues. Speeches from labor, peace and social justice groups were followed by a march through downtown.

Born from the 1886 U.S. push for the eight hour day, International Workers’ Day unites people worldwide in honoring labor’s struggles and solidarity.

On Saturday the annual People's World May Day rally “Working Class Unity: From the Streets to the Polls.” brought everyone together around the urgent need to protect our voting and democratic rights. It reminded us that real change starts with the work we do on the ground, informing our communities, sharing essential information, having meaningful conversations, and carrying that collective energy to the polls to make the changes we need.

Emcee Jahmal Henderson, chair of the Newhall CTCPUSA Club and a key organizer in Connecticut, announced the Edie and George Fishman Library gifted to the New Haven Federation of Teachers (NHFT) last July with volumes spanning 80 years of working class struggle..

The rally opened with greetings from Leslie Blatteau, president of NHFT and high school student Brandon Daley along with leaders of Unite Here Locals 33 and 34 at Yale. Brandon, a junior, described his deep involvement in local youth advocacy, from protesting for increased education funding to holding Yale accountable and organizing a Students over Billionaires school walkout on May Day.

BarbaraVereen, organizing director of Unite Here Local 34, called for solidarity with Yale’s clerical and technical workers, expressing appreciation for turnout at the massive April 23 contract rally where members demanded higher wages in response to inflation and rising living costs while Yale's $44 billion endowment continues to soar. Jake Thrasher, staff organizer of Local 33 spoke about their campaign to win union recognition for Yale’s postdoctoral workers. Postdoc Greg Zilberg got an ovation when he announced that on May 1, 2026 an overwhelming vote won representation for nearly 1,400 researchers. 

The centerpiece of the event was an inspiring slideshow "May Day Around the World", highlighting labor rights rallies and protests on all continents and industries mirroring the huge rallies against MAGA and for workers rights and immigrant rights throughout Connecticut and the U.S. Union members Terrell Williams, Lisa Armstrong, and Ben McManus served as narrators, underscoring the significance of the U.S. labor movement reclaiming International Workers Day this year..

The crowd was treated to a special performance by Scotticesa Marks and her family filling the room with songs of resistance, inspiring attendees to rise to their feet and join in, singing their favorite tunes as the whole crowd sang along. Scotticesa created a new movement song from the words on the Communist Party banner carried in the May Day march, “Tax the Rich, House the Poor, Money for Jobs, Not for War.”

Jess Corbett, president of the Western Connecticut Area Labor Federation and proud member of Local 34 and New Haven Rising, stepped up to the mic to lay out this year's May Day demands. He reminded everyone the fight to Tax the Rich, in Connecticut and across the country, is far from over, and that working people have to keep pushing back against a system built to protect the rich..

Tabitha Sookdeo, executive director of Connecticut Students for a Dream, lifted up the demand of “No ICE” and the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights. She spoke about how easy it is to feel discouraged in moments like these, but also how important it is to remember that we are not alone, and we are not powerless. Together, we defend our communities by demanding stronger, humane immigration laws. An omnibus bill expanding protections was signed into law in Connecticut three days later, the result of a huge organizing effort.

Henry Lowendorf, chair of the Greater New Haven Peace Council, spoke on the demand of “No War,” displaying a banner showing the billions poured into war while the resources working people depend on continue to shrink. His message was clear: every dollar spent on war is a dollar stolen from the working class.

Jess spoke about the fourth demand “Protect Our Vote.” Solidarity pledge cards were signed and turned in, another step in defending democracy from the ground up.

The May Day celebration closed with the New Haven group "Singing Resistance". Voices rose, chants echoed back and forth, and the night ended the way May Day should, community and workers standing together, singing together, and refusing to back down.

Waterbury May Day: We are the Resistance

The May Day rally/celebration on the Waterbury Green was full of militant energy and excitement. A

father/son duo played Congo drums as people arrived. People rocked and rolled as they signed in.

Bilal Tajildeen, one of the organizers, introduced MC Kay Munoz. She had great energy and spoke in

both English and Spanish. With placards, some in Spanish,“Aqui Estamos y Nos Vamos,” and some in English, “Fund Healthcare Not Wars,” “Power To The People,” and “Tax Billionaires,” waving in the evening light, Kay told a personal story. With emotion she explained how her grandfather, suffering a great deal of pain, worked so hard to support the extended family.

Naugatuck Valley Project representive Karime Pimentel spoke in Spanish while Jacqueline Bayas translated in English. She shared the plight of Domestic Workers. The highlight was how they rallied at the legislature to demand sick days and won! In the process, their profession was acknowledged and respected.

On the Green, labor/community educator Steve Schrag set up a table full of registration voter forms and a box asking people to check off a form rating the President’s job. Steve invited the crowd to sign up for a teach-in on May 19th from 6-8 pm at The People Center, Waterbury.

Carpenters Union representative Mike Iacoviello explained the history of May Day. He shared that everyone should have not just a living wage but a thriving wage. Also present was Kit Salazar Smith, staunch unionist and recently anointed Naugatucks’ 2026 Earth Day Mayor for the Day. Starting in the 1990s, Kit fought for and helped win the creation of Naugatuck’s Passive Park/Nature Preserve and the green jobs it generated.

Rapping up the presentations, Ryan Hendricks, recruited by Maribel Rodriguez, performed a poem about working people. He put it together in less than 2 weeks. It was a big hit with the crowd.

With Congo drums playing in the background, people marched and chanted in English and in Spanish around the Green. The energy was palpable and the time enjoyed by all.

– Maribel Rodriguez

Major Immigrant protection bill signed into law

The successful, hard fought campaign to expand protections for immigrants in Connecticut was celebrated at the bill signing of SB 397 outside the State Supreme Court. Written following wanton ICE violence in Minnesota and other communities, the bill was championed by New Haven State Sen Gary Winfield, chair of the Judiciary Committee.

In a contentious two day House debate, Connecticut stories of ICE kidnapping immigrant students and parents were shared. “This is a very measured response to federal overreach and a way to protect people living here in the state of Connecticut from, frankly, a lawless and out-of-control ICE.” said Bridgeport state representative Steven Stafstrom.

The omnibus bill creates ‘protected areas’ from immigration enforcement including schools, hospitals, social service agencies and houses of worship. It bans agents from wearing masks, allows citizens to sue for constitutional violations, and limits use of automated license plate readers It prohibits state or local police departments from hiring former federal law enforcement officers found guilty of misconduct and requires 480 hours of training before officers can be hired by state agencies. 

It also gives the state inspector general the right to investigate the use of deadly force by federal agents, and removes immunity from officers who arrest or assault someone taking photos or videotaping their actions

After passing the Senate, the bill was debated in the House for two days before passing 91-57 along party lines. No Republicans voted in favor.

“Many thanks to everyone who made this possible by testifying, showing up and spreading the word,” said Tabitha Sookdeo, naming “CT For All organizations that worked tirelessly, members and staff at CT Students for a Dream, ACLU of CT, Husky for Immigrants, Hartford Deportation Defense, Make the Road CT, NHFT, 32 BJ SEIU, SEIU 1199 NE, CT AFL-CIO, GHIAA, and more.” 

The Connecticut AFL-CIO joined in support of the rights of immigrant workers. “This bill is a vital step in ensuring that ICE is held accountable to Connecticut’s laws,” said president Ed Hawthorne. “It serves as a reminder that when we raise our voices against injustice, we create real change”.

Yale Workers Say “We Can't Keep Up”

Unity of purpose and determination filled the streets in New Haven on April 23 as hundreds of union workers and community allies marched on Yale with a clear message: “We Can't Keep Up!”

The members of Unite Here Locals 34 and 35, are fighting for fair wages and benefits to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of living. But for seven months there has been little progress from wealthyYale University at the bargaining table

When Unite Here International President Gwen Mills took the mic following the march, she pointed toward the administration offices saying, “My message to Yale is that the entire union is behind these workers 110%. My message to you,” she said looking out at the massive crowd of union members is “we have your back.”

Yale claims they are in dire straits and have reduced staff and non-tenure faculty. They’ve even revoked summer storage for low-income students and made cuts to graduate enrollment. You might think Yale is on the verge of collapsing. Yale is hoping we don’t know any better. We do know better.

Yale is sitting on over $44 billion – making them the second wealthiest university in the nation.

When they claimed their back was against the wall in the past and made cuts to the workforce, their endowment continued to grow.

What are the workers at Yale asking for? Improvements to their health care, critical job protection language, and a wage increase that reflects the value of their work and makes up for what they lost since the end of their last contract.

The workers at Yale are the unsung heroes of the university and they deserve a contract that reflects the value they add to the school every single day. What Yale union workers are able to win sets the standard for all workers in the region.

“Yale must pay its fair share and settle fair contracts. We must build a city where our residents have access to good jobs, world-class schools, affordable housing, and youth opportunities.” said New Haven Rising director Scott Marks.

Alpha Capital Slammed for Retaliations against Tenants

State senator Martha Marx and state representatives Nick Menapace and Nick Gauthier hosted a press conference and sent a letter calling on the CEO of Alpha Capital Funds to rescind retaliatory lease violation notices threatening eviction against leaders of the CT Tenants Union chapter organized at the Bay Point Apartments in Niantic..

The previous week private-equity landlord Alpha Capital issued lease violations and cease & desist orders to six residents of the Bay Point Apartments, two CTTU leaders, and the director of the local Center for Housing Opportunity, accusing them all of “disruptive conduct” amidst the tenants’ months-long battle to resist displacement from their homes. 

These escalations against tenants come amid the ongoing condo conversion plans first announced by Alpha Capital in November 2025. Tenants of Bay Point, many seniors living on a fixed income, have faced months of stress over this renewed threat to their housing stability and affordability.

Despite the intimidation — including from onsite Alpha employees who attempted to bar their guests from the property — union members hosted an exposé event on the sidewalk in front of the complex. They brought elected officials, realtors, and community members inside the building in small groups to witness and discuss tenant concerns, including non-functioning heat, broken appliances, and unsafe common space conditions. 

So far, two condo units hit the market in February, yet neither unit has sold.

Upon receiving notice of Saturday’s tenant-hosted event, maintenance staff rushed to the construction site to remove tape from hallway smoke detectors, remove plastic sheeting that had been adhered to hallway carpets for at least two weeks, clear discarded toilets and bulk refuse from the outdoor waste area, and vacuum debris and potentially hazardous materials from hallways and common areas. 

Representative Gauthier, who an Alpha employee attempted to prohibit from speaking with tenants in the building hallway, said:  “Alpha Capital is abusing Bay Point residents and trying to create oppressive living conditions to intimidate residents into leaving. This much is obvious from what I observed during my visit to the homes of the residents of Bay Point Apartments.”

North Hartford Public Safety Summit Builds Community

In response to recent acts of police violence and a growing call for accountability and community driven solutions in Hartford's North End, the North Hartford Public Safety Coalition hosted a North Hartford Public Safety Summit of 150 residents, clergy and community leaders to develop a community-led summer safety plan to build community power.

Leading up to the summit, residents have successfully pushed for a citywide town hall and administrative action.

“This moment has shown us that when our community organizes, our voices can lead to real outcomes,” said Rev. AJ Johnson, Director of Neighborhood Organizing at the Center for Leadership and Justice and leader in the North Hartford Public Safety Coalition. “Now we must move from pressure to power by building the systems, relationships, and strategies that create lasting safety in our neighborhoods.”

The summit built on several years of organizing.

A panel of nine speakers.discussed collaboration and holding the city, state, and federal government accountable for the funds needed in the community.  While the focus was violence prevention, the discussion focused on building community and power. 

"There is energy in organizing; there is power in organizing. We knocked on doors, we listened, and we learned.” said community organizer Kelvin Lovejoy, asking “why did the federal government shut down the Federal Department of Violence Prevention while taking this country to war?”

Discussion included a call to strengthen the Police Accountability Review Board, and police training in mental health care .

Constanza Segovia who leads Hartford Departation Defense, called separating families a kind of violence that creates fear and trauma in children and affects all communities. 

“Community power is our destination, our collective voice. Real power leads to lasting change. “ said neighborhood leader Melinda Johnson.

Building that power is reflected in The Summer Safety Plan emerging from the summit including  expanding youth opportunities for employment, leadership development, and daily structured programming; addressing trauma and mental health. supporting families needs for jobs, childcare, and wraparound services, and activating safe spaces, including schools, churches, and community hubs. Opportunities for residents to get involved will be organized in the coming weeks.

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Workers Tell Gov. Lamont: Tax the Rich to Fund Connecticut

“Tax the rich to fund Connecticut” was the message at the State Capitol on April 15 Tax Day as over 1500 postcards from voters in towns across the state were delivered to Governor Lamont with hand written messages demanding a fairer tax system put forward in the Stand Up CT Agenda..

A march to the Governor's office led by billionaire impersonaters in top hats, followed the press conference and public action on the State Capitol front lawn. Led by the Connecticut for All coalition, the action included healthcare workers, union members, students, small business owners and teachers who came together to bring their message to the Governor and State Legislative leaders. 

Alicia Hernandez Strong, a fourth grade teacher from New Britain, expressed frustration with a system that does not allocate enough money for schools while the ultra wealthy pay a much smaller percentage of their income in taxes than she does, starving community needs.

A new report released today by Connecticut for All Coalition and Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF) shows that the collective fortune of Connecticut’s 17 billionaires has grown by $24.7 billion, or 34%. Connecticut has one of the most regressive tax systems in New England. Last week Maine passed a millionaires tax, and Rhode Island is expected to pass one later this year. Massachusetts has had a millionaires tax in effect since 2024.

“This year all but the richest people in Connecticut will pay higher taxes and receive fewer services for their hard-earned tax dollars because Donald Trump and Republicans put billionaires over families – and because CT state leaders choose to protect the bank accounts of a few ultra wealthy individuals and corporations at the expense of everyone else,” said CT Working Families Power State Director and Connecticut For All Legislative Co-Chair Sarah Ganong.

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” she said. “We can choose a fairer tax system, guaranteeing that the richest one percent will pay more to fund our public schools, colleges, roads, bridges, and public transit – without the other 99% having to pay a penny more. We need Governor Lamont and Connecticut leaders to make that choice, loudly and publicly, right now.” .

Amir, a working class student shared his story of trying to meet expenses while studying at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) wihile experiencing rising prices and low wages.

“Connecticut can have a better system. Let me put that another way: Governor Lamont and Connecticut leaders can choose a fairer tax system,” said SEIU 4C’s president Seth Freeman. “We can choose a Connecticut where everyone is guaranteed the basics: a home you can afford, health care you can rely on, low cost childcare when and where you need it, quality public schools in every neighborhood, and much more.”.

But here’s the good news,” said Freeman. “There are way more of us than there are of them. When ordinary people like us unite across our differences, we’re unstoppable. We can win a Connecticut that works for all of us.”

The Stand Up CT Agenda includes “a fairer tax system by making the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share, a state budget that uses funds to protect families and public services from Trump cuts, protections against ICE violence, and adopting a basic public health plan option.

“Governor Lamont and Connecticut leadership have the power to pass a fairer system this year,” said Lauren Anderson, a small business owner in New Haven. “It’s on the table, they just need to vote for it. So I’m here telling them: on behalf of small business owners across the state, we need you to show up for us now. You invoke our names in your press conferences. You say you stand with us. Now’s the time to show it. If everyone paid their fair share — including the biggest corporations and the wealthiest people in Connecticut — we could invest in the foundation that small businesses depend on: healthy workers, strong communities, and customers who can afford to spend. Right now, it feels like the system rewards size and power, not hard work. That’s not good for small businesses. And it’s not good for Connecticut.”

State Representative Jason Doucette who represents Manchester and Glastonbury, also shared remarks as the chair of the Tax Equity Caucus.

The press conference also featured members and Leaders from the Connecticut For All coalition, including: Connecticut Working Families Power, CT Students for a Dream, Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans, SEIU Local 1973 The 4Cs, Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance, Hartford Federation of Teachers, Husky for Immigrants Coalition, UCONN and CSU American Association of University Professors, AFT Connecticut, Comunidades Sin Fronteras, New Haven Federation of Teachers, New Britain Racial Justice Coalition, New Haven Peoples Center and more.

May Day Rallies to Build Working Class Unity

Organizing is underway by labor, community, immigrant rights and peace organizations for powerful actions on May Day on Friday May 1 in New Haven in the afternoon and Hartford in the morning demanding “workers over billionaires” and “ICE out” Some will participate in the “No School, No Work, No Shopping” movement inspired by the resistance to ICE in Minnesota earlier this year.

Then, on Saturday May 2 the CT People's World will host its annual May Day Celebration and Rally featuring a slide show of May Day Around the World showing how workers are rising up for equality and peace across the globe on International Workers Day. Themed “Working Class Unity – from the streets to the polls” it will be held at 267 Chapel Street at 6 pm with refreshments provided. Contributions will be accepted for the People's World fund drive.

Leading up to the May Day rallies, a major all union Unite Here “We Can't Keep Up” contract rally will be held on April 23 at 5 pm starting at 425 College Street in support of Locals 34 and 35 at Yale in contract negotiations with Yale University. With a $4 billion endowment that earns more every minute, the claims of the University that they are in hard economic times ring hollow, while workers rent, mortgage, food and gas prices continue to rise.

The call to the May Day rallies in New Haven and Hartford on May 1 focuses on “Connecticut's billionaire class” and the demands of labor and community at the state legislature to protect against ICE, protect the rights to housing, health care and public education, and in New Haven to make Yale pay their fair share. As well, opposition to Trump's wars and robbing funds for military instead of human needs will be highlighted.

“The state budget crisis, the contract fight, the decimation of Medicaid and SNAP, the housing crisis, and the raids on immigrant workers are not different problems,” says the call to the rallies. “That's ONE billionaire class keeping workers divided, underpaid, overwhelmed, and scared in order to grow their power and wealth.”

Fast-Food Service Plaza Workers Ratify Landmark Union Contract

MILFORD, Conn. - Last Friday morning, 32BJ SEIU announced that food service workers across Connecticut’s 23 service plazas voted overwhelmingly in favor of their first-ever union contract, which will include strong wages, improved time-off and scheduling, and other enhanced benefits. The contract will cover food service workers from various franchises on Route 15, I-95, and I-39. It is one of the first agreements of its kind in the fast-food industry – marking a historic milestone for the labor movement nationwide.  

“This is a watershed moment for everyone involved – from the workers, to our staff, to Connecticut workers and the labor movement as a whole,” said Rochelle Palache, Vice President and Connecticut State Director. “Over half a decade after starting this campaign, it feels so rewarding to finally see this through and achieve these guaranteed rights and benefits for the people who keep our highways serviced and fed. We couldn’t have accomplished this without the tenacity and hard work that our workers gave in keeping this campaign going for so long – this win, most of all, is from them and for them.” 

McDonald’s and other major fast food companies at the service plazas subcontract with Project Services, LLC, which has been acquired by Applegreen and contracts directly with the State of Connecticut to operate on state-owned land.

Over decades, despite their billions in sales, McDonald’s and the other fast food companies have not followed Connecticut law regarding paid sick time and the standard wage. The combination of low wages and lack of sick time forced workers to come to work sick so as to not fall deeper into poverty.

During the pandemic, many workers who had been organizing with 32BJ SEIU for better working conditions lost their jobs. Cooks and cashiers who continued working reported a lack of adequate protection, and the absence of any disinfection of the stores where workers have become sick.

The long battle for union rights included many solidarity expressions of public support for the food service workers including rallies at the highway rest stops, pressure on Governor Lamont, and a car caravan during the pandemic when the companies were not resp;responsive to workers' healthcare needs.

In 2023 Attorney General William Tong sued Project Service for $2.7 million in back wages, owed to the workers, many of whom are immigrant workers. The court case was won and in November, 2025 the owner was ordered to pay workers $1.5 million in owed wages. When hundreds of workers at 23 service plazas on I-95, I-395 and Route 14 voted to join the union in December, 2025 the company agreed to negotiate a contract.

Governor Ned Lamont hailed the historic contract recognizing that “service plaza workers work hard to provide for their families, contribute to their communities, and are always there for those traveling our highways. They deserve good pay and benefits. This first contract, which recognizes the important work they provide.” 

On the evening of Thursday, March 12, 32BJ SEIU reached an agreement with Applegreen USA Travel Plazas Central Services, the main service plaza employer in Connecticut, on the inaugural contract covering hundreds of food service employees across the state’s 23 food service plazas. The contract will span from April 1, 2026 to March 1, 2031. 

Under the terms of their contract, service plaza workers will have: predictable schedules and consistent hours, just cause and grievance and arbitration process, strong vacation accruals, improved training opportunities, strong wages under the Connecticut Standard Wage Law 

In November of last year, 32BJ SEIU and the main service plaza reached an agreement—over six years after the initial kick-off of their campaign—to grant workers a fair path to unionization, which they voted overwhelmingly to do in December. Bargaining committee members from 32BJ, comprised of workers from various franchises across the service plazas, began negotiations with Applegreen in late January of this year. 

Beginning in 2019, many service plaza workers brought forward complaints against several employers outlining a pattern of noncompliance, including allegations of wages below the legal standard, unsafe working conditions, and failure to provide adequate benefits. Applegreen agreed to pay workers the standard wage in Connecticut in their November settlement with the State Attorney General’s office and agreement with the union, resulting in higher pay, which has been reflected in their paychecks since. 

“It’s been a long time coming for food service workers to get the respect and the treatment we deserve,” said Nika Hyde, a bargaining committee member and employee at Auntie Anne’s at the Madison Southbound service plaza. “It is an honor to help my fellow Connecticut food service employees, who work so hard, have a dignified standard of living without constant struggle.” 

No Kings Protesters Choose Human Needs Not War!

The crowds in Connecticut for No Kings III were larger and more diverse. More families and young people came out, wanting to have a voice against the illegal war on Iran, ICE raids and soaring billionaire profits while families struggle to make ends meet.

At the No Kings III rally on the New Haven Green the Greater New Haven Peace Council placed a banner on two tables with a large bar graph showing where this administration has allocated tax dollars. The bar for war and weapons towered above all the others.

Each person who came by the table was asked to put their initials in the column where they would like their money to be spent. A stream of people were eager to sign. Given an opportunity to tell their Congressmembers where they want their taxes to go they chose YES to Health. Education. Agriculture. Clean Water. And NO to War and Weapons.

The chart showed the 2026 US federal budget. The bars indicated the amounts of money federal government departments get. Each person was asked to write their initials above three departments where they’d like their taxes to go. A petition to stop the wars and stop funding the wars was made available addressed to the Connecticut Congressional delegation.

There was plenty of discussion at that table. The very diverse crowd preferred to put their taxes into • Agriculture, • Commerce, Justice and Science, • Energy and Clean Water, • Interior and Environment, • Health, Education and Labor, and • Transporation, Housing and Urban Development by an infinite amount over the Weapons and War of the Pentagon (zero votes).

When the march through New Haven began, the bar chart became a banner in the march.

Demand Grows to Tax the Rich in CT

Working class families across Connecticut are facing economic crisis from the Trump / MAGA cuts in healthcare and human services, being imposed so the ultra wealthy can get even more tax cuts.

The demand is being placed on the state legislature and Governor to secure that $1 billion for the public good and enable people's needs to be met.

Hundreds of working people, students and immigrant communities have been making their voices heard at the state capitol this session in support of the Fair Share Stand Up Connecticut Agenda of Connecticut for All demanding action to end the extreme inequalities in this state.

Those demands will also be present at the 50 No Kings III rallies in Connecticut.

The Fair Share Agenda is focused on securing $1 billion to cover the cuts inflicted by the Trump administration in the coming year, and then to democratize the tax structure ongoing so the ultra wealthy pay their fair share.

The coalition is also demanding an increase in protections for immigrant communities by establishing protected sites where ICE cannot enter including schools, hospitals and places of worship.

This movement in Connecticut is not alone. A national Take On Wall St coalition of labor and community groups is organizing in states across the country.

The Tax Wall St campaign emphasizes that, “As Trump and congressional Republicans slash federal funding, states are increasingly the last line of defense for working people. The lesson is clear: fair taxes curb concentrations of wealth, fund services we all rely on, and strengthen democracy itself.”.

They cite Connecticut as an example of the growing movement:

“In Connecticut, unions for public employees, nurses, and educators have joined with community groups to press lawmakers to raise taxes on millionaires and reform capital gains taxation. Advocates are calling for new revenues to strengthen public schools, expand health care access, invest in aging infrastructure, and provide real property tax relief for working families.”

Organizing is increasing to demand the legislature and Governor respond to the emergency facing the majority of people in our state and act before the end of session in May.

State Workers Demand Fair Contracts and Public Services

 

Nearly 600 state workers from across Connecticut gathered at the Legislative Office Building last week with a blunt message for Governor Lamont and his agency chiefs: stop delaying fair contracts and start investing in the public workforce that deliver “The Connecticut Difference.”

Representing workers across 35 bargaining units in the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC), speakers said Connecticut cannot keep promising strong public services while failing to fully fund and support the people who deliver them every day. They committed to securing fair and honorable contracts for the full workforce to deliver the services all residents depend on. 

From public colleges and universities to public health labs and environmental agencies, workers said the state’s delays and under investment are making it harder to recruit and retain staff, putting essential public services at risk.

Speakers said when politicians in Washington, DC shut down, elected leaders in Connecticut must step up, stressing that fair contracts are not only a labor issue; they are a public issue.

“As a teacher in the state’s career technical education system, I see ‘The Connecticut Difference’ we make in our students’ lives every single day,” said Makenzi Hurtado, president of the State Vocational Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 4200A. “But that difference does not sustain itself. The state must recruit, retain, and reinvest in the workforce that serves the public.”

Terrell Thigpen, a third-year student at Central Connecticut State University, said students are paying the price for the state’s failure to invest at the level public higher education needs.

“Students are told education matters,” said Thigpen. “But I went from a high school that couldn’t afford books to an underfunded state university that refuses to support its staff. If Connecticut is serious about opportunity, it has to invest in the people and institutions that make that opportunity real.”

Healthcare workers expressed frustration with the toll lack of staffing takes.  Saleena White, a Child Services Worker said “Being mandated to work back-to-back shifts, facing exhaustion leads to staff calling out and even quitting their job, sometimes on a weekly basis.”

Youth Voices Stress Collective Unity and Organizing at 52nd Black History Month Event

By Jahmal Henderson

The historic People’s Center was filled to capacity during the 52nd annual People’s World Black History Month event. Youth and community members gathered to honor the theme: “DEFEND CIVIL RIGHTS! Unity in the Fight for Our Future” 

As guests arrived, they were greeted by the recording of Paul Robeson's historic performance at Carnegie Hall in 1958.  Host Mary Thigpen said that during the Jim Crow era, when Black history was deliberately excluded from school curriculums, historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in February 1926, later expanded into Black History Month.

In tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, she recalled the ten day “Rebuild America Keep Hope Alive” march across Connecticut in August 1991, beginning at Bridgeport East End’s “Mount Trashmore” and ending at the state capitol in Hartford with more than 2,000 people.

This year’s arts and writing competition for grades 8 through 12 showcased a wide range of impressive submissions of poetry, art, and essay which drew connections between the 65^th anniversary of the freedom rides and today’s fight against fascism and for civil rights along with honoring the brave legacy of Paul Robeson, acclaimed artist and activist who risked everything to advance racial justice, civil liberties and peace.. Every participant received a certificate and copy of Paul Robeson’s book  "Here I Stand".

First place artwork “Turn the Volume Up” by Emilia DiPippo from Wilbur Cross High School explores how the civil rights movement shaped her identity and the life she is able to lead today.

Jaylee Pimental of Wilbur Cross High School's first place essay titled “Freedom Was Earned, Not Given,” explained that the civil rights movement was about far more than changing laws. Ordinary people marched, protested, and risked everything because they were tired of being treated unfairly due to their skin color. She emphasized “Justice is not just for one group, its for everyone".

Diana Robles from High School in the Community delivered her poem “When We Fight We Win,” while Japhet Gonzalez performed “17,” a heartfelt dedication to the young freedom fighters of the 1960s whose sacrifices fuel his commitment to activism.

Sound School student Journey Rosa earned the first-place poetry award with her powerful piece “Inheritance is a Verb.” that concludes “progress is not permanent unless we make it so.”

An 8th grade student shared his essay about the terrifying story of a young family member that witnessed his parents being taken away by ICE. The story exposed the trauma that many immigrant families are facing. The story concluded, "It’s so unfair to see how families are torn apart, and especially by a leader that doesn’t even know about history. Most of America was built off of immigrants, and getting rid of those immigrants is like removing the legs of a chair.”

The ceremony then shifted to a youth panel discussion moderated by Arita Acharya, Secretary Treasurer of Unite Here Local 33 . The conversation brought together two high school students, Brandon Daley of Metropolitan Business Academy and the Citywide Youth Coalition, and Melody Yunga of Wilbur Cross High School and CT Students for a Dream. They reflected on their activism in today's fight for equality where youth activism is being attacked by MAGA.

Daley spoke of organizing students to testify before the education committee at the state capitol for an increase in public school funding. Yunga called for participation in a public hearing before the Judiciary Committee to expand protections for immigrant communities from the undemocratic terror being perpetrated by ICE around the country.

Acharya raised demands that Yale University, with its 40 billion endowment, give transformative funding to meet needs of public education, good jobs and housing in the largely Black and Latino City of New Haven.

Stephanie Deceus led the People’s World fund appeal, highlighting the daily news platform’s importance to the labor-led people’s movement and the need for continued support to keep it thriving. $2,000 was raised.

Eric Brooks, the evening’s special guest speaker was introduced by Connecticut CPUSA organizer Jahmal Henderson. Brooks addressed the current climate in the country, emphasizing the continued fight for democracy and freedom for Black communities. He referenced 1619 to draw attention to the nation’s origins in slavery and the lasting impact of racial inequality today.  

He also spoke about MAGAS rollback of key civil rights protections, stressing that recent executive orders, including the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies.  

Throughout his remarks, he underscored the urgency of mobilizing against policies viewed as harmful to minority communities, civil rights, and democratic rights. Eric also stressed that the resistance will require grassroots organizing, collective unity, and  political engagement in order to achieve real, lasting change in this country.

As the festivities concluded, participants gathered in a drum circle, where both attendees and youth played powerful rhythms symbolizing unity and strength.