Thousands expected for Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride today

By Felicia Persaud

Congressman John Lewis is among the Ride's 
supporters. (Photo: IWFR)

Saturday, October 4, 2003

QUEENS, New York: Labour leaders last night predicted an overflow crowd of some 100,000, including Caribbeans, will show up for today's Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride at the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York.

Last night, as dozens of top ranking ALF-CIO (American Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations) labor leaders, immigrant advocates and city, state and national politicians gathered to welcome dozens of freedom riders to the Queens Museum of Art, Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin, chairperson of the Ride and head of the Central Labor Council, said the movement was looking to welcome tens of thousands of people to the park tomorrow, "in the shadow of the Unisphere."

But ALF-CIO President, Mr. John Sweeney, said it's more likely the number will be over a 100,000.

"It will be one of the largest rally, probably in the history of the labour movement," said Mr. Sweeney, who told those gathered, including the busload of cheering Wisconsin Riders, that he was a son of immigrants. 

He also pledged the union's support for immigrant, particularly those on the tough road to become legal residents of the United States.

"No one of us can truly have freedom and justice until we all have freedom and justice," said the labour leader. "We will be with them for as long as it takes. Our nation was built on immigrants (and) I'm hopeful we'll see legalization (towards legalization) soon."

Also on hand for the event was Queens Borough President, Ms. Helen Marshall, who claims immigrant roots, as well as Congressman Gregory Meeks, New York State Assemblyman Jose Peralta and several New York City Councilmembers, including Vincentian-born Mr. Kendall Stewart, Mr. Hiram Montserrate and Mr. John Liu.

Congressman Meeks pledged his support in helping to get legislation passed to "make America better for all of us." 

"It's time to stand up to make sure no administration steps on the backs on immigrants," said the congressman.

Caribbean nationals are among the approximately eight million immigrants across the United States who live in an undocumented capacity. The Freedom Ride is especially challenging the strong anti-immigrant atmosphere that emerged after Sept. 11, 2001, according to the group's website. 

Organizers say they want legal status "for hardworking, taxpaying, law-abiding immigrant workers already established in the United States;" as well labor protections so that all workers, including immigrant workers, have the right to fair treatment on the job; the renewal of democracy by clearing the path towards citizenship, the reuniting of families in a timely fashion and respect of the civil liberties and rights of all immigrants.

Riders are expected from Seattle, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Portland, Oregon, San Francisco and of course, New York at today's rally.

Entertainment will be provided by hip-hop star, Haitian-born Mr. Wyclef Jean as well as Trinidadian-born calypsonian, The Mighty Sparrow.

State legislators and political leaders across the country have endorsed the ride, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Congressional Black Caucus, the California state legislature and Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), an original Freedom Rider. 

Sen. Edward M, Kennedy, Congressional Representatives Mike Honda, Hilda L. Solis, Luis Gutierrez, Sheila Jackson Lee, Janice Schakowsky, and George Miller have all praised the Immigrant Workers Freedom Riders for their courage and hard work, and pledging support for immigrant rights and reform.

The ride, organizers say, is inspired by the Freedom Riders of the early 1960's civil rights movement. 

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