Day Two of the Farmworkers March for Justice

Photos by: Matt Rosenberg

The members of Camillus First Baptist Church sent us on our way this morning with a full breakfast and blessings for safe travels and success in the campaign for equality.

We left behind our broken-down van and trailer and crammed supplies into the support vehicles we had left and set off for Syracuse. Fortunately, the heavy downpours of the night before let up just before we hit the road.

The group grew larger and larger as we marched. Several vehicles loaded with farmworkers and supporters joined us as we moved toward the city. For the second day in a row the farmworker youth kept us energized and moving at an enthusiastic pace.

First Presbyterian Church in Syracuse hosted us for a lunch stop-over where we where more workers, their families, and supporters joined. By early afternoon we made our presence felt as we sang and chanted into downtown and gathered for a short rally in front of State Office Building.
Several men and women workers spoke of their experiences and their reasons for marching. Deacon Sweenie of the Hispanic Apostlate and a group of farmworkers from Oswego, along with Paco Valle and members of the Syracuse Labor-Religion Coalition, the Central New York Labor Council, and several communities of faith joined in solidarity. We were also greeted by local and national media.

With our ranks swelling, we proceeded to join up with another rally that was taking place just a few blocks away in an effort to save the Onondaga Creek from being turned into a dumping ground for inadequately treated sewage.
We met to exchange messages of solidarity as “one community” united for justice. We continued several miles onward through Syracuse to the evening service and potluck supper at May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society.

At the “Soulful Sundown” Service organized by May Memorial, Colleen Kattau, a local musician and Spanish teacher sang traditional English and Spanish songs of justice and unity. Together with members of the community, we enjoyed an evening of inspiring music and testimonials, followed by a delicious meal provided by the congregation.

As we settle down for the evening, the rain is falling hard outside. Several workers have left us to return to the fields and farms tomorrow. Those who are able are looking forward to joining up with us as we get closer to Albany next week.

Tomorrow, Oneida.