#United States #New York #World Cup #UNITE HERE #She Promises Liberty

UNITE HERE Launches 'She Promises Liberty' Campaign

As the excitement builds for the upcoming World Cup in the U.S., the hospitality workers union known as UNITE HERE is making waves with its new campaign, featuring a compelling artwork titled She Promises Liberty. This initiative is designed to encourage a sense of freedom and belonging while welcoming visitors from around the world.

The artwork is a collaborative effort with the renowned artist Lois Harada, who infuses her rich heritage into the piece. In these times when immigrant rights and civil liberties face numerous challenges, Harada's creation stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, celebrating essential American ideals.

Celebrating Core Values

The timing of this campaign is intentional, coinciding with the influx of tourists for the World Cup. UNITE HERE aims to remind everyone of the values imbued within the Statue of Liberty, which symbolizes openness, acceptance, and unity. The artwork serves as a public reminder and tribute to those principles, especially considering the current climate where many community members live under the threat of unjust deportation or imprisonment by the state.

In statements from union leaders, the emphasis has been on inclusivity and the shared spirit of hospitality that hospitality workers embody. Nia Winston, the Secretary-Treasurer of UNITE HERE, articulates that for the nation to genuinely realize its promise, it’s crucial not to allow fear to dictate the narrative around freedom.

Drawing on Historical Significance

The significance of She Promises Liberty goes beyond mere visual aesthetics. The statue itself represents a complex history of America’s struggle towards liberty, as it was conceived just after the Civil War, symbolizing the victory over slavery and the beginnings of a more inclusive society. Harada’s past, rooted in her Japanese American family’s experience during World War II, reminds us all that America’s journey toward equality has been fraught with obstacles.

UNITE HERE’s campaign also encourages individuals to reflect on the stories of all working-class citizens who have contributed to the fabric of American society. The union passionately believes that their solidarity can drive change and oppose any division that those in power might attempt to invoke.

A Call to Action

As the World Cup resonates globally, UNITE HERE members remind everyone that the hospitality industry welcomes guests warmly, embodying the same values the Statue of Liberty represents. Enrique Fernández, General Vice President for Immigration, Civil Rights, and Diversity at UNITE HERE, stresses that rather than allowing division, we should celebrate our collective identities and the beauty of shared experiences.

This campaign highlights UNITE HERE’s long-standing commitment to fighting against oppression, emphasizing the importance of collective action historically. The union, deeply rooted in the struggles of marginalized workers, emphasizes the importance of community and togetherness in combating fear-based narratives.

The activation of She Promises Liberty during the World Cup serves as more than an art project; it symbolizes a commitment to embrace diversity and labor rights while reminding the public of the ongoing struggles for justice and freedom. This is a moment for the union to reclaim the narrative, standing united in opposition to fear-based politics.

As the union prepares to showcase this art on public platforms, they encourage everyone, from tourists to residents, to reflect on the shared values that bind us as a society. She Promises Liberty not only welcomes visitors across borders but reiterates the message that we thrive when we stand together in unity, committed to a vision where liberty, equality, and justice resonate for all.