NEW HAVEN, Conn.—High energy and a spirit of togetherness and solidarity filled the auditorium in New Haven’s Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School in celebration of the People’s World Amistad Awards. The theme this year: “We Who Believe in Freedom Will Not Rest Until It’s Won.”
Culminating an inspiring program, the audience stood and read in unison and signed the “Solidarity Pledge: We Won’t Go Back,” launching a rapid response network in anticipation of Trump’s second term in the White House. They pledged to stand in resistance with all who may be targeted in the coming period and to support a transformative agenda to put people, peace, and planet before profits.
The annual awards, honoring three outstanding allies who exemplify unity, courage, and a vision for a better world, were presented to Seth Freeman, president of the Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges (4Cs) SEIU 1973; Maribel Rodriguez, first Latina president of the Western Connecticut Labor Coalition; and Teresa Quintana, immigrant rights activist and housing equity organizer with Make the Road.
In addition, “In Solidarity” recognitions were presented to Unite Here Local 217 and SEIU 1199 NE for their courageous organizing.
The incredible music of Grammy Award-winning Robby Ameen, a Lebanese-American drummer celebrated for his Afro-Cuban style, greeted the audience with the smooth sounds of Latin Jazz.
Opening the program, held on the occasion of the anniversary of the Communist Party USA’s founding, was a video, “Communist Party at 105: A Tribute,” featuring Langston Hughes poems read by Jahmal Henderson accompanied by artwork and photos of strikes, marches, and organizing through the decades in Connecticut and nationally.
Ciro Gutierrez, 2016 awardee and member-leader of SEIU 32BJ, presented the award to Quintana in appreciation of her dedication and commitment to the fight for immigration reform and housing as a human right.
Sharing her journey since moving in her youth from Bolivia to Connecticut, Quintana emphasized that her life experiences taught her that organizing is “the mother of survival.” Remaining silent at first out of fear, the challenges she faced as an undocumented immigrant transformed her outlook.
She began fighting against exploitation and sexism, building communities, and securing equal housing opportunities for immigrant families stating, “the only thing keeping our feet on the ground is our roots.” She said working with Make The Road has enabled her to assist families whose stories resonate with her own.
Quintana concluded in Spanish, singing a song that symbolizes the belief in justice and remembering one’s roots. In response, emcee Lisa Bergmann led the call and response chant with the audience, “Sí Se Puede!”
The second award, to Maribel Rodriguez, was presented by 2018 awardee Shellye Davis, Secretary-Treasurer of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, who honored Rodriguez’s dedication and commitment as a courageous leader fighting for workers’ rights.
Rodriguez, the first Latina president of the Western Connecticut Labor Coalition, AFL-CIO, and recently retired nursing home worker, spent 27 years as a union delegate before becoming an organizer for New England Health Care Employees Union, SEIU 1199 NE.
Standing at the podium, Rodriguez was brought to tears, saying “I feel very humbled.” As a young girl, she dreamed of becoming a nurse to help her mother, who suffered from mental illness. At 18, she began working in a nursing home and soon after joined the SEIU 1199 NE union family.
She worked at that nursing home until her recent retirement, widely appreciated for giving outstanding care. Rodriguez expressed her gratitude to the union for helping her find her place as a delegate, organizer, and advocate for her co-workers on the job, in the community, and at the State Capitol.
The third award was given to Seth Freeman, president of the 4Cs SEIU 1973 union, which represents faculty and staff across 12 community college campuses. State Sen. Gary Winfield, 2023 awardee, emphasized the importance of individuals like Seth in challenging times, who stand up and speak out for working class communities, driving us forward.
Freeman thanked his union for their unwavering support and commitment. He praised the union members for teaching him how to build a strong, fighting organization, stating, “We don’t win by ourselves; everything we win, we win together.”
He then acknowledged his family members in the audience—from his wife and children to his siblings and parents—for their support and sacrifices, which enable him to stay in the fight. He especially remembered his father Hakeem, who was an exemplary union member and leader, teaching Seth how to fight, win, and defend people’s rights.
Next the members of Unite Here Local 217 and SEIU 1199 NE filled the stage. The crowd celebrated Local 217 winning two strikes with strong contracts at the Greenwich Hyatt and the Omni at Yale, organizing new shops and sending teams into the battleground states and SEIU 1199 NE breaking new ground with organizing and sending members into Pennsylvania for the elections.
Both unions received citations from the New Haven Board of Alders for their relentless organizing and advocacy to ensure fair rights for workers.
Josh Stanley, Local 217 Secretary-Treasurer, began with a powerful statement: “When we fight, we win, and when we strike, we win.” His message to freedom fighters everywhere was: “Build the committee, build the committee, build the committee.” This strategy led to three significant strikes this year, with no union members crossing the picket lines.
He acknowledged much work remains. Many hospitality workers still lack union representation, but the courage, anger, and respect of Local 217 will continue to drive victories and improve workers’ lives.
Rob Beril, President SEIU 1199 NE and former Amistad Awardee in 2020, expressed gratitude to his union leadership and highlighted the historical significance of the Amistad Awards in uniting long-term fighters for justice. He stated, “The Amistad Awards strengthen our spirit, and those who believe in a more just society must rededicate themselves as organizers.”
Baril also stressed, “The things that unite us are more important than the things that divide us” and that it is crucial to renew the understanding that organizing is vital for those who believe in a just world. SEIU 1199 union remains committed to fighting for nursing home workers and continues to advocate that healthcare is both a necessity and a right.
A 92-page keepsake greeting book raised funds for People’s World with messages from unions, community groups, and Communist Party clubs across the state.
DOWNLOAD a copy of the SOLIDARITY PLEDGE.
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