The resounding message from Jobs With Justice and American Rights at Work’s November 14th annual Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights awards celebration was clear: we’re stronger when we work together.
Executive Director Sarita Gupta and former Jobs with Justice and American Rights at Work leader Mary Beth Maxwell emceed a spirited celebration to an audience of more than 400 leaders, advocates, policymakers and allies from the labor, progressive, social justice, faith, and student movements. Guests were treated to an incredible night honoring notable champions for working people.
LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan accepted the evening’s first award on behalf of all LIUNA members for the union’s progressive stance on immigration reform and workers’ rights. In accepting the award, O’Sullivan recognized the union’s deep connection to its immigrant founders and members and acknowledged the great work of LIUNA locals and members helping advance immigrant worker rights and organizing as part of the POWER campaign.
The Nation magazine was presented an award for its thoughtful coverage of workers’ rights issues and commitment to bringing them back to the forefront of the public debate. Richard Kim, Executive Editor of The Nation accepted the award on behalf of Editor Katrina vanden Heuvel.
New York City’s first fast food strikers also received an award for inspiring a nationwide movement calling for better wages in one of the country’s fastest growing job sectors. Rhynetta Bennett, who works at Taco Bell in New York City, blew everyone away with her song about the injustices she and her colleagues face at work.
Board member, diamond sponsor, LIUNA member, and Ullico Inc. President and CEO Ed Smith also took the stage to engage the audience with a lively call to action to encourage more support of our work.
We thank everyone who attended and supported our 9th annual event. If you missed out, you can pitch in to support our critical work by making an online donation here.
