Tuesday, April 28, 2020
By Dr. Kyra R. Greene
Dear Friends of CPI,
Friday, May 1st is May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day. International Workers’ Day began in 1866 as part of the movement pushing for an 8-hour work day. Around the world, it is now a day commemorating those who have given, and continue to give, their lives to workers’ justice.
This year’s May Day feels especially significant in light of COVID-19. Right now many of the people risking their lives so that the rest of us have what we need are also people whose healthcare, wages, housing and access to government services have been our country’s lowest priority.
This is not primarily a public health crisis, it is a crisis created by marginalization of people based on their race, gender and country of origin and the exploitation of their labor.
Since 1997, CPI has fought for economic justice and a better future for working families in San Diego. We have led intersectional fights for systemic changes including better wages, time to take care of the health and well-being of our families, access to healthcare, healthier environments and transparent, community–controlled governance.
This year is no different, but the pandemic makes the fight harder. We’re in this fight for the long haul to make sure that we not only improve the lives of working families now, but that we rebuild our economy and create a better “normal.”
On International Workers’ Day, we are launching a campaign highlighting our COVID-19 response work and our communities’ policy demands for the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, and State of California. We are asking you to take action and show your support in three ways:
1) Read our policy demands to Mayor Faulconer. Organizations: Sign on to the letter calling on the City to protect and uplift our communities.
2) Send a letter to the Board of Supervisors to show your support for our policy demands for the County of San Diego.
3) Donate or spread the word to help us sustain this fight long-term.
Our destinies rise and fall together. Can we count on your support?
In solidarity,
Kyra R. Greene, Ph.D.
Executive Director
