UniteHere makin’ it happen. So brave! (Taken with instagram)

EDIT: Well, geez, iPhone won’t let me put up caption or tags. So here’s the story: 21 July, there was a Rally for Justice on behalf of Hyatt workers across America. I think several cities held their own rallies. Here in San Antonio we gathered at the Grand Hyatt on Market Street to protest the abuse and exploitation of our housekeepers. There was a great turnout and, huge surprise, they took it to the next level by blocking off traffic on Market Street (rush hour, mind you). They held hands and sat right in the street for a good 10 minutes before being arrested. Two of my buddies were sitting there and I couldn’t be more proud of the stand they took. Hopefully, this will bring awareness to the plight that many hotel workers, especially housekeepers, are in. Did I mention it was a good 100 degrees? That asphalt was hot!

Taken with instagram

EDIT: Well, geez, iPhone won’t let me put up caption or tags. So here’s the story: 21 July, there was a Rally for Justice on behalf of Hyatt workers across America. I think several cities held their own rallies. Here in San Antonio we gathered at the Grand Hyatt on Market Street to protest the abuse and exploitation of our housekeepers. There was a great turnout and, huge surprise, they took it to the next level by blocking off traffic on Market Street (rush hour, mind you). They held hands and sat right in the street for a good 10 minutes before being arrested. Two of my buddies were sitting there and I couldn’t be more proud of the stand they took. Hopefully, this will bring awareness to the plight that many hotel workers, especially housekeepers, are in. Did I mention it was a good 100 degrees? That asphalt was hot!

Last photos. Once we arrived at Main Plaza we had a bit of an Improv Everywhere moment. We shouted and screamed out and then lay on the steps of city council to represent the lives that have been lost due to border violence. The red rocks symbolize the blood and we left them there after the rally was over and done with.

I’ve been to a lot of marches and rallies lately. I think this one, along with the day we got the Hope Quilt, has been one of the more beautiful ones I’ve seen. I think it takes more than a bunch of people gathered together. It takes symbols. That is what really helps people to not forget.

Finally the march began. We headed to Main Plaza where City Council actually is. This is only part of the many people who came out to show support.

Here are just a couple of signs from the event. There were a lot of good ones but I snapped these. The first one says, “BEFORE Main Plaza
Before the Cathedral
Before the Canary Islanders
WHO WAS HERE?
Las madres de San Antonio were
indias de la tierra”

This refers to the Native people who were here first in San Antonio. And the second one say, “Tenemos Derechos!” which I believe translates to “We have rights!”

Here’s a photo that is not necessarily of the rally but Christine, Laura, y Tash who were also there. Tash’s boyfriend, Gabe, works in a hotel and is helping to fight against the Hyatt’s abuses against workers. In fact, here’s an awesome story about a case he won a few months back that was featured in our local paper. He videotaped this event and Tash, who’s awesomely supportive, came out too.

Christine I’ve known for a year now and she has turned into one of my besties. We have a great time!

I forgot to post photos of the National Day of Action from last week but I wasn’t too proud of the photos. My SD card kept giving me trouble, so these are cheapo iPhone photos. But I thought I’d share because I’m headed to a rally for the immigration issue tonight. Sort of a solidarity movement. I have very mixed feelings about it. I grew up in San Antonio and had friends who’s parents came from Mexico. Many illegally. I’ve worked with them before. I want them to have a better life here in the US (whatever that may mean), but I’d also like them to be here the right way. But I know in most cases that’s very difficult.

I think we need immigration laws but we need the kind that works. And we definitely need the kind that doesn’t discriminate against American citizens or our Mexican visitors. 

Anyway, here is a line-up of just a few photos from that other action a week ago.