Peekskill Middle School Students Show Support for Farmworkers' Rights

On May 24, students from the Peekskill City School District lined the Washington Street sidewalk outside the school as farmworkers, activists, and allies of the March for Farmworker Justice made their way through the streets of Peekskill, which was just one of multiple stops on the marchers’ 200 mile trek from Long Island to Albany.

PKMS students rallied in support of the women and men who sought to bring attention to the need for legislative action to end the inequality that currently burdens farmworkers in the state. The topic is especially important given the recent suit by NYCLU against the state, and Governor Cuomo’s statement in support of the right to collective bargaining for all workers.

As the crowd passed the middle school, students joined in the marchers’ chant of, “Sí, se puede,” which translates to, “yes, it is possible.”

The March, in solidarity with New York’s farmworkers, was put together by Rural and Migrant

Ministry in collaboration with: United Food and Commercial Workers, the Hispanic Federation, the

NYS AFL-CIO, the Civil Service Employees Association and the New York State United Teachers,

along with numerous other organizations and congregations.

Marchers said the students’ support and participation at the event was greatly appreciated and encouraging.

“It really was special to arrive to their cheers,” said Katia Chapman, who was among the marchers.