#United States #New York #UNITE HERE #She Promises Liberty #Lois Harada

UNITE HERE Unveils Powerful Campaign Before World Cup

As the excitement builds for the Copa Mundial de la FIFA, UNITE HERE— the North American hospitality and tourism workers' union— has launched a poignant campaign featuring the newly unveiled artwork entitled "She Promises Liberty". This initiative is designed to welcome visitors and promote solidarity at a time when many immigrants fear for their safety under current policies.

The artwork, created in collaboration with renowned artist Lois Harada, is a tribute to the core American values of freedom and belonging. It emerges in response to the unsettling rise in anti-immigrant sentiments and threats to civil rights in the United States.

A Reflection on American Ideals

The artwork draws inspiration from the Statue of Liberty, which stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of hospitality for countless individuals seeking a better life in the U.S. As stated by UNITE HERE, this new piece serves as a reminder that freedom and inclusion are fundamental to American heritage. Harada's connection to the history of Japanese American internment during World War II adds a profound depth to the message, highlighting the struggle for justice and the ongoing fight against exclusion.

UNITE HERE represents approximately 300,000 members across the U.S. and Canada, chiefly in the hotel, gaming, and food service industries. Many of these workers are on the frontline of the hospitality industry, welcoming fans from around the globe as they gather for the World Cup matches.

The Message Behind She Promises Liberty

"She Promises Liberty" is not just an artwork; it is a bold declaration of hope and pride. The piece symbolizes the struggle for civil rights while addressing current injustices faced by immigrants. It stands tall against discrimination, advocating for a society that upholds the rights of every individual—regardless of their background.

Nia Winston, Secretary-Treasurer of UNITE HERE, emphasized this sentiment: "For our country to fulfill its promise, we must prevent the powerful from convincing us that freedom must be earned through fear. What empowers our union is our collective interest over individual differences. Together we can advocate for a nation that lives up to its values."

A Celebration of Diversity

During the unveiling of the campaign, officials and organizers highlighted how pivotal the hospitality workforce is in showcasing American values. Enrique Fernández, UNITE HERE's Vice President of Immigration, Civil Rights, and Diversity, stated, "While those in power may seek to divide us, the members of our union unite to remind the world of the American ideals we cherish: freedom, possibility, and belonging for everyone, whether they were born here, are visiting, or have just started their new journey in this nation."

Conclusion

In this pivotal moment before the World Cup, UNITE HERE's campaign represents more than just a welcoming gesture to visitors of the tournament. It encapsulates the ongoing commitment to the fight for workers' rights and the reminder that everyone deserves a place where they can feel at home. The union's history of advocating equality, starting with the movement of the 'Freedom Rides' in the Civil Rights era, continues to push for a society that genuinely reflects the values of liberty and justice for all.

As noted by the organizers, the challenge remains to support one another and ensure that America lives up to its promise as a land of opportunity and inclusion. In a world fraught with division, initiatives like "She Promises Liberty" serve as powerful symbols of hope and unity.

Explore more about UNITE HERE's initiatives and their commitment to workers' rights and civil liberties as they represent voices of many in a changing social landscape, striving for a more inclusive future.