We are a Collective: A Statement of Solidarity on Farmworker’s Day
As we reach the end of Women’s History Month, Esperanza Community Housing extends its unwavering support and commitment to defending the rights of women, children, immigrants, and survivors of abuse and assault. We firmly believe that women, children, and survivors of sexual violence should never be silenced or sacrificed for our social justice movements, and we reaffirm our commitment to making our communities and the movements safer and more just for all.
We stand with Dolores Huerta, Ana Murguia, Debra Rojas, and Esmeralda Lopez. We acknowledge how deeply painful it is to share these stories, and we honor their courage. We extend our love and solidarity with others who have yet to come forth with their own stories.
In light of the abhorrent news of Cesar Chavez, we are reminded that the farmworkers movement isn't just one individual – it is a collective. We recognize that all our movements – housing, environmental, immigrant, labor, and more – are interconnected and intersectional in nature. Our movements must not serve to silence those who have been harmed, but must empower them and others to take action and stand against all forms of oppression. Social justice means justice for all.
We commemorate the everyday heroes in our communities, including our Promotores de Salud, who uplift community health and human rights in South LA, and we advocate for the empowerment of all our community members. Empowering our community includes believing and supporting survivors, to create spaces where women, children, and immigrants are valued and feel heard. We will continue to foster our movements stronger than ever, with a reignited commitment to community care, and gender and social justice for all.
In the words of Esmeralda Lopez, we are reminded: “The movement – that’s the hero.”
Resources:
Los Angeles Rape and Battering hotline for South LA: (310) 392-8381
RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline (Free 24/7 Confidential):
Call: (800) 656-HOPE
Text: HOPE to 64673
National Domestic Violence Hotline (Free 24/7 Confidential):
Call: (800) 799-7233; (800) 787-3224
Text LOVEIS (capitalization does not matter) to 22522
