Susan John speaks to the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride
Primary tabs
Susan John, State Assemblywoman, spoke to a full house at the Colgate
Rochester Divinity School Auditorium Monday night, as the National
Immigrant Freedom Ride came to Rochester.
Susan John, State Assemblywoman, spoke to a full house at the Colgate
Rochester Divinity School Auditorium Monday night, as the National
Immigrant Freedom Ride came to Rochester.
She spoke of her past, saying that she knew what it was like "to be
different -- I have never forgotten that as a servant of the people."
Ms. John is chair of the State Assembly's Labor Committee and said,
"Agriculture is still the largest industry in New York State."
Speaking to the 135 freedom riders present, many of whom are farm
workers, John said, "In New York State, farm workers do not have the
right to organize in a labor union -- That is a disgrace. ... The law
says you're not entitled to the same rights as any other worker. --
This is not right."
The crowd assembled was enthusiastic, and broke into spontaneous chanting
and cheering at various times.
At the end of her presentation, she looked to her right and said,
"This little girl sitting in the front -- if she comes back here (in
10 - 20 years) I want it to be to celebrate what was accomplished.
It is for her that we do not tire. ... We can do it!"
