At 6:00 a.m. Saturday, January 19, 2017, members of UniteHere! Local 100 boarded two coach buses to make their way to the historic Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, D.C. There they joined thousands of immigrants and allies to send a clear message to the incoming administration, chanting, “We are here to stay!”
Among the community speakers were Congressman Luis Gutierrez, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and our very own UniteHere! Vice-President, Maria Elena Durazo. “When we march, sit-in, sit down, or strike we honor America’s patriots like Dr. King and Cesar Chavez. Solidarity is the only response to Trump’s agenda,” said Durazo.
This event was cosponsored by over 50 organizations from the North East, including UniteHere! Members were speechless by the support felt within the room. Teddy Isaac, former St. Johns University caterer, said “I am here in support of immigrant rights, it is wonderful to see so many people who feel the same way.”
