ROCHESTER — Labor unionists, allies, friends and family joined together to stand up and speak out on racial and economic injustice at a Black Lives Matter rally sponsored by the Rochester Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU).
Speakers at the event included CBTU Rochester Chapter President Deb Lee, a former longtime CSEA staff member and activist, as well as state Assembly 137th District candidate Desmond Meeks; Tracy Harrison from SEIU 1199; local Pastor James Simmons and state Assemblymember Harry Bronson, who represents the 138th Assembly District.
CSEA Western Region Executive
Vice President Tim Finnigan attends
the rally.
CSEA Western Region Executive Vice President Tim Finnigan attended the rally along with dozens of working and retired CSEA members.
“In the labor movement, we have always stood up and spoke out when we see racial or economic injustice,” Finnigan said. “It’s our history; it’s in our DNA. We are here to affirm racism is not welcomed in our workplaces, our streets or in our country.”
Renee Jackson, a state Department of Health employee and a CSEA Western Region 1st Vice President, also attended the event.
“CSEA has a legacy of fighting for racial and economic equality for marginalized communities — and that’s why we [were there],” Jackson said after the rally. “We cannot continue the callous disregard for the health and safety of our black and brown brothers and sisters. It’s time for our lawmakers to enact meaningful change — we are demanding it for ourselves and for those who feel they are voiceless.”
— Ove Overmyer
CSEA Western Region 1st Vice President Renee Jackson, center, attends the rally.
