Melinda Tuhus Photo
Peace activists like Al Marder called on Friday for New Haveners to respond to a national mobilization for jobs and educational reform next month in Washington, D.C., by declaring, “Imagine, we’ve reached the stage where being a teacher is one of the most insecure jobs in our country.”
Octogenarian Marder (pictured above), representing the New Haven Peace Commission, called it one of the most important mobilizations in “the annals of U.S. history,” adding that it would “demand new efforts by this administration to produce jobs.”
He was one of the speakers among a potpourri of activists representing various constituencies who came together at the local NAACP office on Whalley Avenue Friday to promote One Nation Working Together, the march and rally taking place on Oct. 2.
Nationally and locally, the NAACP is the chief sponsor of the event, along with trade union organizations and groups representing the Latino community, the immigration community and the social justice community.
New Haven NAACP President James Rawlings referenced the just-announced increase in poverty in the U.S. to 46 million — 15 percent of Americans — and said, “This is called One Nation Working Together, not Our Nation, and that’s significant because across America we’re hearing groups talk about, ‘Let’s take back ‘our country, our nation.’ The significance of this march can’t be underestimated based on challenges we have in America today. We’re all marching for jobs, which as you know, [the lack of] disproportionally negatively have impacted the poor in America and particularly minorities. We are marching for educational support and reform, because what we see today is a retrenchment of segregated schools in America and children left behind relative to America’s dream.” He said it was most critical to inspire the youth of America to vote in the upcoming election.
Other speakers included Henry Lowendorf from the Greater New Haven Peace Council; Robin Godwin Miller, representing both the the Housing Authority of New Haven and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Sarai Almonte, Connecticut organizer for One Nation Working Together, and Joelle Fishman (pictured) of the People’s Center, who said two buses have already been filled and more will be reserved for those wanting to attend. They will be leaving Stetson Library on Dixwell Avenue at 3 or 4 a.m. the day of the march. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 203 – 389-7275.
Asked what the organizers’ position is vis a vis the Obama administration — critical support, opposition, or something else, Rawlings responded, “The NAACP has no political agenda, and no permanent friends, just common goals. If there’s a disagreement with the administration, we will make that known, but there’s no lock step.” Regarding specific demands, he said he’s waiting to hear from the national NAACP about speaking points.
